I’ve noticed recently that there is a misconception about the genre of “science-fiction” that has become more and more common over the years.

In essence, I believe what sets science fiction apart from other genres can be broken down into two characteristics.

I was taught that science-fiction presents ideas, concepts, technology and tools within the plot that, although imaginary, are rooted in scientific principles and are at least partially conceivable.

In fact, concepts developed in works of science fiction are often the source of real inventions or at least resemble technology developed years or decades later.

For example, who can forget the communicator used in Star Trek: The Original Series. Aren’t cell phones awfully reminiscent of the hinged gadgets first appearing in 1966?

That’s only the beginning as technology has moved forward and developed cloaking devices for soldiers and virtual reality machines that, although not quite a holo-deck, are still impressive to say the least.

The second is that conflicts within the story are resolved using science, technology or scientific method as opposed to supernatural solutions or pure happenstance.

This aspect is what I feel confuses many people these days.

Anyone who has read Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy will understand exactly what I mean.