The term “hard science fiction” has been used in various ways over the years, and it’s not always clear what exactly is meant by this phrase. In general, hard SF refers to stories that are set in a future where scientific knowledge is more advanced than today (or at least, as advanced as we know it now). This usually means that there are no magic or supernatural elements, but it can also mean other things, such as a world with different physics.
In some cases, the term “hard SF” is used to refer only to space opera, which is defined as a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes action, adventure, and technology, often with an emphasis on futuristic settings. Space opera tends to be very optimistic about humanity’s future, and many authors who write space operas tend to believe that humans will eventually become a galactic civilization.
The term “hard SF” has sometimes been applied to certain kinds of science fiction that do not fit into either category above. For example, some people have suggested that hard SF includes works like Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, Robert Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land, and George Orwell’s 1984. However, these books contain a lot of non-scientific content, and they don’t really focus on the advancement of scientific knowledge. They’re still considered part of the genre of science fiction, though.
Hard Sci Fi Definition
So what does “hard sci fi” actually mean? The most common definition is:
Science fiction stories that feature highly developed technologies, advanced societies, and/or intelligent life forms.
This definition seems pretty straightforward, but it doesn’t cover everything. For example, it excludes any story that features a society without advanced technology, even if that society is based on our own history. It also excludes any story that features advanced civilizations, but those civilizations aren’t necessarily technologically advanced.
Another way to define hard SF is to say that it’s anything that isn’t fantasy. Fantasy is defined as stories that take place outside of our universe, so hard SF is essentially all of science fiction except for fantasy. Of course, this definition leaves out stories like Star Wars, because those are clearly set in our universe.
Another way to think about hard SF is to say it’s anything that isn’t mainstream science fiction. Mainstream science fiction is stories that are written for popular audiences, and therefore tend to include a lot of science. Hard SF is basically all science fiction that isn’t mainstream science fiction.
Finally, you could consider hard SF to be just about any kind of science fiction that involves advanced technology. That would exclude stories like A Wrinkle in Time, but it would include stories like 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Why Do People Use These Definitions?
There are several reasons why people use these definitions. One reason is that they want to draw a line between good science fiction and bad science fiction. Another reason is that they want their favorite genres to remain separate from each other. Some people feel that the term “science fiction” should be reserved for stories that involve fantastical elements, while others feel that it should be reserved for stories about technological progress.
There are also some people who reject the idea of dividing science fiction into categories at all. They argue that all science fiction is simply science fiction, and that we shouldn’t try to divide it up into different types.
Other people prefer to use these definitions because they want to emphasize certain aspects of science fiction. For example, some fans of hard SF like stories that deal with how advanced technology affects human culture. Other fans of hard SF like space opera stories where humans travel through space. Still others like stories that deal with the future of humanity.
The best way to understand the differences among these subgenres is to read them. If you enjoy reading one type more than another, then you’ll probably find yourself drawn toward that type. But remember that there are no right or wrong answers here.
History of Hard Science Fiction
Hard science fiction has been around since the beginning of science fiction. The first science fiction novels were often adventure stories, which featured fantastic events happening in exotic worlds. As time went by, though, authors began writing stories about scientific concepts that hadn’t yet been discovered.
In fact, many early science fiction writers were scientists themselves. The most famous of these was Jules Verne, whose books included Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) and From the Earth to the Moon (1865).
In the 20th century, hard SF became much more common. Authors such as Isaac Asimov, Arthur C Clarke, Robert Heinlein, and Ray Bradbury wrote stories that dealt with ideas like artificial intelligence, teleportation, and faster-than-light travel.
Today, hard SF remains a very popular genre. Many of today’s bestselling science fiction authors write hard SF. And even if you don’t like hard SF, you might still enjoy reading the works of these authors.
What’s the Difference Between Hard and Soft Science Fiction?
One thing that makes hard SF so different from soft SF is its emphasis on realism. In soft SF, things can happen that seem impossible according to our current understanding of physics and biology. For example, in Star Trek, characters can teleport across vast distances instantaneously. Or they can beam objects directly into orbit.
In hard SF, however, characters must obey physical laws. The laws of physics may change over time, but not enough to allow us to do anything truly impossible.
This difference isn’t limited to the real world. It extends to the fictional world as well. Characters in hard SF have to follow rules that govern what happens when two planets collide. Characters in soft SF don’t have to worry about this. Instead, they can invent any kind of story they want.
Another important distinction between hard and soft SF is the level of detail used in each genre. In hard SF, everything must be explained in great detail. Every character must have motivations that make sense. Every plot twist must fit within the framework of established science.
In soft SF, details aren’t always necessary. Sometimes, an author will explain something without giving too much information. Sometimes, he won’t bother explaining anything at all.
Some authors mix hard SF and soft SF together. Their work includes both detailed explanations and vague descriptions. But their goal is usually to create a believable world rather than to tell a good story.
Elements of Hard Sci Fi
Hard sci fi doesn’t just focus on realistic science. It also focuses on other elements that are typical of hard SF.
These include:
- A strong sense of wonder. When we read hard SF, it should feel like we’re seeing something amazing for the first time. We shouldn’t know how it works or why it happened.
- An emphasis on logical thinking. If we learn new facts about the universe, we need to use them to solve problems. This means that we need to think logically and rationally.
- A focus on technology. Technology plays a major role in hard SF. Most of the action takes place on spaceships, robots, and computers.
- A focus of human nature. Human beings play a central role in many hard SF novels. They often act selfishly or selflessly. They sometimes behave irrationally.
Hard sci fi shares a lot of themes and elements of other genres as well, explore more with our list of the most popular sci fi subgenres.
The Best Hard Science Fiction Books of all Time
Here are some books that I consider to be among the best hard SF novels ever written.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Herbert’s Dune is one of the most influential science fiction novels ever written. Its themes and ideas continue to resonate with readers more than 50 years after it was published.
Many people credit Dune with being the inspiration for George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy. Others claim that it inspired Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series. Still others even say that it influenced Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer television show.
Contact by Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan’s Contact is another classic example of hard SF. It tells the story of an alien race that visits Earth. The aliens are peaceful. They come in peace. But they bring with them a message from an advanced civilization somewhere else in the galaxy.
Sagan wrote his novel during the height of the Cold War. He wanted to warn us that there might be intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. His book became famous because it predicted the existence of extra-terrestrial intelligence.
Sagan himself said that Contact was “a parable about man’s relationship to the universe.” That’s exactly what the book is. It’s a cautionary tale about our own potential for destruction.
Contact has been called one of the greatest science fiction novels of all time.
Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein
Starship Troopers is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s not only fun to read; it’s also thought-provoking.
It’s set in the far future. Humanity has spread throughout the Milky Way Galaxy. There are no longer any borders between countries. Instead, each person lives under the protection of a government that provides him with food, shelter, and medical care.
But things aren’t perfect. Soldiers known as “Squads” have been created to fight wars against insectoid creatures called bugs. These soldiers are genetically engineered to be stronger, faster, and smarter than ordinary humans.
In a Nut Shell
In short, hard SF is very different from other kinds of science fiction. In hard SF, scientists and engineers play a large role. They invent new technologies. They build space ships and robots. And they study the behavior of human beings.
They do this so that they can make predictions about how the world will change over time. Then, when those changes happen, they try to figure out why they happened.
Hard SF is also much more realistic than other types of science fiction. It doesn’t rely on magic or supernatural powers. Instead, it focuses on real scientific principles.
For instance, in hard SF, scientists don’t create imaginary universes where everything works perfectly. Instead, they study the real universe around them.
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