Defining Science Fiction and Fantasy (Editor's Notes, Vol. 8)

I propose two working definitions, one for the science fiction and one for the fantasy narrative genres, which help distinguish both genres and their potential overlap. I address the root of frequent confusion that follows when trying to apply different-level criteria to genre definitions (e.g. comedy, tragedy, novel, short story...). Then I mention briefly why awareness of genre differences (science fiction and fantasy in particular) can be useful when using fiction in philosophical reflection.