Science Fiction Fans Poll

Source: http://www.librarything.com/topic/122923

As a fan, how do you define "science fiction"? To be "science fiction" as you understand the term, a story must be:

Type 1: Based on not less than actual scientific principles. The science foundation or elements of the fictional story must exist in reality or as a matter of fact, at the present time.

Type 2: Based on not less than speculative scientific principles. The science foundation or elements of the fictional story may be arrived at by theoretical contemplation or abstract reasoning. The science may be theoretical rather than demonstrable, but must be based on reasonable conjecture; an opinion or supposition based on incomplete (but existing) information.

Type 3: Based on not less than fantastical scientific principles. The science foundation or elements of the fictional story may be arrived at by groundless imaginings created only in the mind. The science may be a complete fabrication with no basis in reality, existing only in the imagination.

Type 4: Based on not less than one alien, robot, ray gun, or space ship, notwithstanding whatever the Hell else may be going on in there. Basically, your definition allows for anything goes science fiction; but no magic whatsoever, because that would be fantasy.