this post was submitted on 23 Jun 2026
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Science Fiction
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its the difference between hard sci-fi/strict rule fantasy and 'science fantasy'
Magic can have strict rules, or it can be hand wavy. And sci-fi can use the exact same logic of "oh, theres a highly advanced tech that lets us overcome quantum physics limitations you know of"
I think the real difference is that fantasy (and science fantasy) has parallel sets of rules (natural vs supernatural), neither of which reduces to the other. It’s the irreducibility that’s critical, whether or not the rules are strictly spelled out.