The Dark One
Auror
If any distinguishing needs to be done, then only a sentient entity can do it.
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What is the difference
- Thread starter B Follins
- Start date
Insolent Lad
Maester
If a person lived in a world where magic was a given, they might just ask themselves, "How does that magic work?"
The Dark One
Auror
But we're not talking about them. We're talking about people who live in a world of science, for whom nothing could ever seem like magic.
I think I'm beginning to sound boring, so that's my last word on the matter.
pmmg
Myth Weaver
I don't know, I am willing to call anything with space ships, SciFi, and anything with swords, Fantasy. It is okay with me if the lines are fuzzy so long as the story is good.
Maybe I should have said SyFy, in which case, both have a word that starts with F and ends in Y, but one has science in front of it.
Maybe I should have said SyFy, in which case, both have a word that starts with F and ends in Y, but one has science in front of it.
SiFy is where it’s at
But where in the statement does it say that entity needs to believe in the supernatural or not in order to make that distinction.
I guess you've never watched Penn and Teller or David Copperfield. Just because magic isn't real doesn't mean there can't be the illusion of it.
Are we seriously debating the interpretation of a quote? I hate to say it but something can be right, wrong and annoying all at the same time.
The Dark One
Auror
That's why I decided to shut up.
Aldarion
Archmage
Personally, I define them by a veener of scientifibality (is that correct word?). Sci-fi will attempt to at least appear to have scientific basis for its stuff (even if it is just "technobabble") while fantasy is comfortable with outright magic. Of course, many settings straddle the line - both Star Trek and Star Wars quite often go "screw this" and throw in actual space magic with no attempt at scientific explanation whatsoever.
Prince of Spires
Auror
A question for the OP, which in a large part determines the answer: Why do you want to know?
Darkfantasy
Inkling
I don't think there is a clean line between the two because I've seen novels that included magic but are listed first as a science-fiction. I think which dictates the major genre is which way does the novel mostly lean? Is it Science based, with a scientific magic systems? Or is there an element of Science used by mythical or magical beings and focuses more on what the magic does and less about the technicalities of how it's made.
