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Science fiction

Science fiction (sometimes shortened to SF or sci-fi) is a genre of speculative fiction, which typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life. It is related to fantasy, horror, and superhero fiction and contains many subgenres. Its exact definition has long been disputed among authors, critics, scholars, and readers.

"Scifi" redirects here. For other uses, see Science fiction (disambiguation) and Scifi (disambiguation).

Science fiction, in literature, film, television, and other media, has become popular and influential over much of the world. It has been called the "literature of ideas", and has sometimes been described as an exploration of the potential consequences of scientific, social, and technological innovations[1][2] or as an outlet to anticipate future scientific and technological innovations.[3] Besides providing entertainment, it can also criticize present-day society and explore alternatives. It is also often said to inspire a "sense of wonder".[4]

Temporal settings in the , or in alternative histories[271]

future

settings in outer space, on other worlds, in subterranean earth,[272] or in parallel universes[273]

Space travel

Aspects of such as aliens, mutants, and enhanced humans[274][275]

biology in fiction

Predicted or speculative technology such as , bio-engineering, superintelligent computers, robots, and ray guns and other advanced weapons[274][276]

brain-computer interface

Undiscovered scientific possibilities such as , time travel, and faster-than-light travel or communication[277]

teleportation

New and different political and social systems and situations, including ,[272] dystopian, post-apocalyptic, or post-scarcity[278]

utopian

and speculation evolution of humans on Earth or on other planets[279]

Future history

abilities such as mind control, telepathy, and telekinesis[280]

Paranormal

Science fiction elements can include, among others:

at Project Gutenberg

Science Fiction Bookshelf

Science fiction fanzines (current and historical) online

SFWA "Suggested Reading" list

Science fiction at standardebooks.org

Science Fiction Research Association

Archived 18 June 2023 at the Wayback Machine from the British Library's Discovering Literature website.

A selection of articles written by Mike Ashley, Iain Sinclair and others, exploring 19th-century visions of the future.

at Toronto Public Library

Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy

Science Fiction Studies' Chronological Bibliography of Science Fiction History, Theory, and Criticism

(Esquire; 21 March 2022)

Best 50 sci-fi novels of all time