Why "science fiction" and not "scientific fiction"?

Question

Everybody knows the term "science fiction" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fictionBut I am wondering why "science fiction" and not grammatically more correct form "scientific fiction"?Consider similar case: "nucleus reaction" vs "nuclear reaction"I am sure that "nuclear reaction" is the correct one. So, why "science fiction" is more used than "scientific fiction" if "scientific fiction" is the more correct form when considering grammar?

Answer 1

It is important to understand that science-fiction is a type of fantasy. Most science-fiction authors, with some exceptions like the late Arthur C. Clarke, are not professionally trained scientists. Because of this, there may be nothing scientific about a science-fiction novel. That being said, science-fiction is a product of the recognition of the power of science and is in dialogue with science as an institution. A good example of this is the novel Frankenstein, arguable the first work of science-fiction. Frankenstein only makes sense in a world that takes it as a given that scientists have the power to make world changing discoveries. (Whether they should or not is a separate question.)