Soft science fiction is science fiction whose plots and themes tend to focus on philosophy, psychology, politics and sociology while de-emphasizing the details of technological hardware and physical laws. It is so-called 'Soft' Science Fiction, because these subjects are grouped together as the Soft Sciences or Humanities.

For instance, Frank Herbert in Dune, uses the plot device of creating a universe which has rejected conscious machines and has reverted to a Feudal organisation. Consequently Herbert uses the Dune saga to comment about the human condition and makes direct and accurate parallels to current socio-political realities.

Soft Science fiction may explore the reactions of societies or individuals to problems posed by natural phenomena or technological developments, but the technology will be a means to an end, not an end itself.

Authors often thought of as exemplifying soft science fiction:

• Ray Bradbury
• Ursula K. Le Guin
• Frank Herbert
• Orson Scott Card
• Nancy Kress
• Lois McMaster Bujold
• Joan Vinge
• L.E.Modessit Jnr
• David Zindell

Compare: hard science fiction, space opera, comic science fiction