What is science fiction?

Science fiction is a new type of modern western literature. Its plot can't happen in the known world, but is based on some assumptions about the origin of human beings or the universe, as well as some new discoveries in fictional scientific and technological fields (including hypothetical science and technology). In the contemporary western world, science fiction is one of the most popular popular books, and its influence and sales are second only to thrillers and detective novels.

Science fiction is different from ordinary traditional novels, it is directly related to the development of science and technology, but it is also a kind of literary creation, and it does not undertake the task of spreading scientific knowledge.

From the way of expressing fantasy, it should belong to the category of romantic literature. Some excellent science fiction novels, like excellent romantic works, are rooted in social reality and reflect contradictions and problems in social reality. Some excellent science fiction novels can often provide some valuable predictions in the direction of scientific and technological development. Sometimes, some scientific inventions have not yet appeared, but they have been vividly described in science fiction, such as submarines, robots, space navigation and so on.

Contemporary western science fiction involves many cutting-edge scientific research projects, and of course specious pseudoscience often appears. Therefore, science fiction is often despised and accused by people in the scientific and technological circles.