The session “Science Fiction and Fantasy: Uncovering the modern world of information through metaphor and imagination” sponsored by Tor and Baen publishers featured Robert Charles Wilson, Ken Scholls, Margaret Weiss, John Brown and Eric Flint. All the authors expressed varying degrees of confusion regarding the topic of discussion, but their talks yielded surprisingly similar insights. Robert Charles Wilson spoke first. He used his latest novel, Julian Comstock, A Story of 22nd Century America, to illustrate his belief in the power of knowledge over ignorance and the idea that information “wants to be free.” He argues science fiction requires participation in the questions of society, culture and technology. Ken Scholls analogized science fiction and fantasy as a tent show performed by the likes of Tom Bombadil, Paul Atreides and Dorothy Gale. He spoke of the power of science fiction and fantasy to transport and transform. Margaret Weiss spoke of the author’s…