/lit/ - Literature

What's the point of science fiction?

Obviously it's for exploration of ideas, as well as enjoyment of a the ride. But I feel that sci-fi often delves deeper into abstract themes more often and in ways other literature cannot.

Is science fiction an exploration of ideas of the future? Of discussion ethics and implications of technology and societies yet to be created? Here I reference of course 1984, Brave New World, etc

Or can an argument be made for a purely materialist and science based ideas exploration? Things like time travel, FTL travel, etc. Many examples of this sort of thing.

Or does science fiction simply allow us to cheat into thinking about abstract principles, like free will and human nature. Good example here would be The Sirens of Titan, or Gateway.

Or is the core of science fiction about overlapping these principles. Of being able to convey multiple complex ideas simultaneously? I sure as hell don't know. If anyone's got some ideas or appropriate reading I'd appreciate it.

And I'm sure there's better examples, just going with what I've read recently.

I've had a few drinks but I think my ideas are sound.