What is science fiction?

Science fiction

Science fiction is a new genre of modern Western literature. Its plot cannot take place in the known world, but it is based on some idea about the origin of mankind or the universe, and some fictional new discoveries in the field of science and technology (including hypothetical fields of science and technology).

Science fiction is different from ordinary traditional novels. Its particularity lies in its direct connection with the development of science and technology. However, it is also a kind of literary and artistic creation and does not bear the task of disseminating scientific knowledge.

Judging 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 the contradictions and problems in social reality. Some of these outstanding science fiction novels can often provide some valuable predictions in the direction of the development of science and technology. Sometimes, certain scientific inventions have not yet appeared, but they have been vividly described in science fiction novels, such as submarines, robots, space navigation, etc.

In the contemporary Western world, science fiction novels are one of the most popular popular books, and their influence and sales are second only to thrillers and detective novels. The development of Western science fiction can be roughly divided into four periods: 1. The industrial revolution and Darwin’s theory of evolution in Britain led to the resurgence of true science fiction; 2. The physicist Einstein’s theory of relativity in the early twentieth century brought science fantasy The resurgence of novels; 3. After the Second World War, the rapid development of science and technology such as nuclear fission, space navigation, color televisions, and electronic computers further promoted the prosperity of Western science fiction; 4. After twenty or thirty years of prosperity , science fiction novelists conduct new explorations from the themes and plots of their works to artistic methods.

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

The most famous science fiction novels in the West include "A Trip to the Moon" written by French Jules Verne, "War on the Martians" written by British H. J. Wells, and the American "A Journey to the Moon". "The Naked Sun" written by Simov, etc.

The most famous science fiction novels in China include "Flying to Sagittarius" by Zheng Wenguang, "Ball Lightning" by Liu Cixin, etc. China's Ni Kuang is also a prolific science fiction writer. He currently lives in San Francisco, USA. "Wesley" is a commonly used pen name for him. His representative works include "Return to the Yang", "New Weapons", "Explosion", and "Alternative Copy" wait.