Wikipedia - Benutzerbeiträge [de]

The God Who Wasn’t There

2006-06-09T01:42:53Z

WhyBeNormal: /* Criticism */

{{Infobox_Film | name=The God Who Wasn't There
| image=TGWWT.jpg
| director=[[Brian Flemming]]
| writer=[[Brian Flemming]] | starring=[[Richard Dawkins]] [[Sam Harris (author)|Sam Harris]] [[Richard Carrier]] [[Alan Dundes]] [[Earl Doherty]] [[Robert M. Price]]
| producer=[[Brian Flemming]] [[Amanda Jackson]]
| distributor=[[Beyond Belief Media]]
| released=[[May 21]], [[2005]]
| runtime=62 mins
| language=English
| imdb_id=0455507
}}
'''''The God Who Wasn't There''''' is an independent [[documentary film|documentary]] that explores and questions the [[historicity of Jesus Christ]]. It is written and directed by [[Brian Flemming]], and was released theatrically on [[May 21]], [[2005]], and on [[DVD]] on [[June 6]], [[2005]].

== Overview ==
According to the film's official website, the aim of the documentary is to hold "modern [[Christianity]] up to a merciless spotlight." ''The God Who Wasn't There'', the website goes on to claim, is "bold and hilarious ... [and] asks the questions few dare to ask. And when it finds out how crazy the answers are, it dares to call them crazy." Flemming is identified as an ex-[[fundamentalist Christian]], and he is now portrayed as a "guide through the bizarre world of Christianity."[http://www.thegodmovie.com] The film has inspired a great deal of controversy.

The film asks questions which explore the roots of Christian belief. The documentary in particular proposes that [[Jesus]] is likely a [[fictional character]] who was never based on a real human, that Christian doctrine often contradicts itself and encourages immorality when it serves the religion, and that moderate Christianity makes even less sense than the extremist form.

=== Appearances ===
Several notable personalities make appearances in the documentary.
* [[Scott Butcher]] is the creator of the ''[http://www.raptureletters.com Rapture Letters]'' website.

* [[Richard Carrier]] is a philosopher and historian studying ancient science at Columbia University in New York, where he received a Master's degree in ancient history. His articles have been published in ''the History Teacher'', ''the [[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' and ''the Encyclopedia of the Ancient World''. He served as editor-in-chief of the Secular Web for several years. His latest book is ''Sense and Goodness Without God''.

* [[Alan Dundes]] was an [[anthropologist]] and [[folklorist]]. Until his death shortly after being interviewed for the documentary, he was Professor of Folklore and Anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1993, he became the first American to win the [[Pitre Prize]]'s Sigillo d'Oro, the top international prize in [[folklore]] and [[ethnography]]. His books include ''The Morphology of North American Indian Folktales'' and ''Folklore Matters''.

* [[Sam Harris (author)|Sam Harris]] is a researcher into the [[neurology]] of religious belief, and author of ''[[The End of Faith]]''.

* [[Barbara Mikkelson]] and [[David P. Mikkelson]] are the founders of [[Snopes.com|the Urban Legends Reference Pages]], widely considered to be the definitive source on the truth or falsehood of [[urban legends]].

* [[Robert M. Price]] is Professor of Biblical Criticism at the Center for Inquiry Institute. His books include ''Beyond Born Again'', ''Deconstructing Jesus'' and ''The Incredible Shrinking Son of Man''.

* [[Richard Dawkins]] is an eminent [[Ethology|ethologist]], [[evolution|evolutionary]] theorist and popular science writer. His best-selling books include ''[[The Selfish Gene]]'', ''[[The Extended Phenotype]]'', ''[[The Blind Watchmaker]]'', ''[[River Out of Eden]]'', ''[[Climbing Mount Improbable]]'', ''[[Unweaving the Rainbow]]'' and ''[[A Devil's Chaplain]]''. He is an ardent and outspoken [[atheism|atheist]], an established critic of [[creationism]], Honorary Associate of the [[National Secular Society]] and vice-president of the [[British Humanist Association]]. Dawkins appears only on the DVD's commentary track.

* [[Earl Doherty]] is a modern pioneer of the Jesus Myth theory. His 1999 book ''[[The Jesus Puzzle]]'' lays out evidence for a mythical Christ. Doherty appears only on the DVD's commentary track.

* [[The Raving Atheist]] is a lawyer and atheist blogger read widely in the [[blogosphere]]. Only appears on the DVD's commentary track.

== Criticism ==
The film has come under scrutiny for a number of its claims. Central among them is the film's thesis that [[Jesus]] is a fictional character. This claim is considered by most contemporary [[New Testament]] historians to be a radical position. Essentially, the viewpoints of the scholars interviewed in this documentary (Price, Doherty) represent a minority viewpoint in the field of New Testament scholarship.

Much of the historical information presented in the film has been questioned for its accuracy. Areas questioned include: (1) uncritical use of 19th century claims regarding "pagan Christs" such as ''Beddru'' of Japan and ''Devatat'' of Thailand as influences on early Christianity, (2) use of early Christian writers like [[Justin Martyr]], (3) a shallow understanding regarding the writings of [[Paul of Tarsus|Paul]] and early [[Christianity]].[http://members.optusnet.com.au/gakuseidon/God_Who_Wasnt_There_analysis.htm]

Some critics also take issue with the "ambush" style that Flemming uses at the end of his film when he returns to the Christian school of his youth. There he interviews a school administrator who appears to have agreed to the interview without being fully aware of the nature of the arguments Flemming puts forth in the film. The interview subject terminates the interview when Flemming begins asking questions rather antagonistically about the nature of Christianity and evangelization.

Criticisms on points raised in the film have come from both theists and atheist scholars, including Richard Carrier, who is interviewed in the movie [http://members.optusnet.com.au/gakuseidon/God_Who_Wasnt_There_analysis_update.htm]. Brian Flemming has stated his intention to produce a 2nd edition of his documentary that will address the criticisms.

== Distribution ==
After a world premiere in [[San Francisco]] on [[May 21]], [[2005]], the film was released simultaneously on DVD and in theatrical exposure. The theatrical exposure varied from a one-week run in [[Los Angeles]] to individual local screenings sponsored by supporters. (A similar approach was successful for [[Robert Greenwald]]'s documentary ''[[Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War]]'' and other Greenwald films.) The documentary has been shown in [[Stanford]], [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], [[New York]], [[Florida]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Louisiana]], [[Indiana]], [[Nevada]], [[Virginia]], [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], [[Toronto]], [[Kansas City]] and [[Norway]]. Unlike the majority of theatrical productions released on DVD, ''The God Who Wasn't There'' includes theatrical screening rights (called "public performance rights" in the industry), so that anyone who buys it can hold a screening, including a screening for paid admission.

On [[April 11]], [[2006]], the [http://www.waroneaster.org War on Easter] promotional campaign was launched, whereby the first [[Number of the Beast|666]] people who hide copies of the DVD in churches win replacement DVDs.

== See also ==
* [[Historicity of Jesus]]
* [[Jesus-Myth]]
* ''[[The Root of All Evil?]]''

== External links ==
* [http://www.thegodmovie.com Official Website]
* {{imdb title|id=0455507|title=The God Who Wasn't There}}
* [http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2687567?htv=12 iFilm page]
* [http://home.ca.inter.net/oblio/home.htm Earl Doherty's Website Exploring the Jesus-Myth]
* [http://www.jesusneverexisted.com Extensive Website Exploring the Jesus-Myth]
* [http://www.slumdance.com/blogs/brian_flemming/archives/cat_the_god_who_wasnt_there.html Brian Flemming's Personal Web Blog]
* [http://www.aaronsw.com/weblog/thegodmovie Review of the filmmaking quality ("A shockingly good film")]
* [http://members.optusnet.com.au/gakuseidon/God_Who_Wasnt_There_analysis.htm Review by Christian ("Presents inaccurate information as fact")]
* [http://nobeliefs.com/GodWhoWasntThere.htm Review by atheist ("Outstanding and controversial documentary")]
* [http://www.thegodmovie.com/faq.php Producer's official response to criticisms]

[[Category:2005 films|God Who Wasn't There]]
[[Category:Documentaries|God Who Wasn't There]]
[[Category:Christian films|God Who Wasn't There, The]]

The God Who Wasn’t There

2006-06-09T01:41:59Z

WhyBeNormal: /* Criticism */

{{Infobox_Film | name=The God Who Wasn't There
| image=TGWWT.jpg
| director=[[Brian Flemming]]
| writer=[[Brian Flemming]] | starring=[[Richard Dawkins]] [[Sam Harris (author)|Sam Harris]] [[Richard Carrier]] [[Alan Dundes]] [[Earl Doherty]] [[Robert M. Price]]
| producer=[[Brian Flemming]] [[Amanda Jackson]]
| distributor=[[Beyond Belief Media]]
| released=[[May 21]], [[2005]]
| runtime=62 mins
| language=English
| imdb_id=0455507
}}
'''''The God Who Wasn't There''''' is an independent [[documentary film|documentary]] that explores and questions the [[historicity of Jesus Christ]]. It is written and directed by [[Brian Flemming]], and was released theatrically on [[May 21]], [[2005]], and on [[DVD]] on [[June 6]], [[2005]].

== Overview ==
According to the film's official website, the aim of the documentary is to hold "modern [[Christianity]] up to a merciless spotlight." ''The God Who Wasn't There'', the website goes on to claim, is "bold and hilarious ... [and] asks the questions few dare to ask. And when it finds out how crazy the answers are, it dares to call them crazy." Flemming is identified as an ex-[[fundamentalist Christian]], and he is now portrayed as a "guide through the bizarre world of Christianity."[http://www.thegodmovie.com] The film has inspired a great deal of controversy.

The film asks questions which explore the roots of Christian belief. The documentary in particular proposes that [[Jesus]] is likely a [[fictional character]] who was never based on a real human, that Christian doctrine often contradicts itself and encourages immorality when it serves the religion, and that moderate Christianity makes even less sense than the extremist form.

=== Appearances ===
Several notable personalities make appearances in the documentary.
* [[Scott Butcher]] is the creator of the ''[http://www.raptureletters.com Rapture Letters]'' website.

* [[Richard Carrier]] is a philosopher and historian studying ancient science at Columbia University in New York, where he received a Master's degree in ancient history. His articles have been published in ''the History Teacher'', ''the [[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' and ''the Encyclopedia of the Ancient World''. He served as editor-in-chief of the Secular Web for several years. His latest book is ''Sense and Goodness Without God''.

* [[Alan Dundes]] was an [[anthropologist]] and [[folklorist]]. Until his death shortly after being interviewed for the documentary, he was Professor of Folklore and Anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1993, he became the first American to win the [[Pitre Prize]]'s Sigillo d'Oro, the top international prize in [[folklore]] and [[ethnography]]. His books include ''The Morphology of North American Indian Folktales'' and ''Folklore Matters''.

* [[Sam Harris (author)|Sam Harris]] is a researcher into the [[neurology]] of religious belief, and author of ''[[The End of Faith]]''.

* [[Barbara Mikkelson]] and [[David P. Mikkelson]] are the founders of [[Snopes.com|the Urban Legends Reference Pages]], widely considered to be the definitive source on the truth or falsehood of [[urban legends]].

* [[Robert M. Price]] is Professor of Biblical Criticism at the Center for Inquiry Institute. His books include ''Beyond Born Again'', ''Deconstructing Jesus'' and ''The Incredible Shrinking Son of Man''.

* [[Richard Dawkins]] is an eminent [[Ethology|ethologist]], [[evolution|evolutionary]] theorist and popular science writer. His best-selling books include ''[[The Selfish Gene]]'', ''[[The Extended Phenotype]]'', ''[[The Blind Watchmaker]]'', ''[[River Out of Eden]]'', ''[[Climbing Mount Improbable]]'', ''[[Unweaving the Rainbow]]'' and ''[[A Devil's Chaplain]]''. He is an ardent and outspoken [[atheism|atheist]], an established critic of [[creationism]], Honorary Associate of the [[National Secular Society]] and vice-president of the [[British Humanist Association]]. Dawkins appears only on the DVD's commentary track.

* [[Earl Doherty]] is a modern pioneer of the Jesus Myth theory. His 1999 book ''[[The Jesus Puzzle]]'' lays out evidence for a mythical Christ. Doherty appears only on the DVD's commentary track.

* [[The Raving Atheist]] is a lawyer and atheist blogger read widely in the [[blogosphere]]. Only appears on the DVD's commentary track.

== Criticism ==
The film has come under scrutiny for a number of its claims. Central among them is the film's thesis that [[Jesus]] is a fictional character. This claim is considered by most contemporary [[New Testament]] historians to be a radical position. Essentially, the viewpoints of the scholars interviewed in this documentary (Price, Doherty) represent a minority viewpoint in the field of New Testament scholarship.

Much of the historical information presented in the film has been questioned for its accuracy. Areas questioned include: (1) uncritical use of 19th century claims regarding "pagan Christs" such as ''Beddru'' of Japan and ''Devatat'' of Thailand as influences on early Christianity, (2) use of early Christian writers like [[Justin Martyr]], (3) a shallow understanding regarding the writings of [[Paul of Tarsus|Paul]] and early [[Christianity]].[www.members.optusnet.com.au/gakuseidon/God_Who_Wasnt_There_analysis.htm]

Some critics also take issue with the "ambush" style that Flemming uses at the end of his film when he returns to the Christian school of his youth. There he interviews a school administrator who appears to have agreed to the interview without being fully aware of the nature of the arguments Flemming puts forth in the film. The interview subject terminates the interview when Flemming begins asking questions rather antagonistically about the nature of Christianity and evangelization.

Criticisms on points raised in the film have come from both theists and atheist scholars, including Richard Carrier, who is interviewed in the movie [http://members.optusnet.com.au/gakuseidon/God_Who_Wasnt_There_analysis_update.htm]. Brian Flemming has stated his intention to produce a 2nd edition of his documentary that will address the criticisms.

== Distribution ==
After a world premiere in [[San Francisco]] on [[May 21]], [[2005]], the film was released simultaneously on DVD and in theatrical exposure. The theatrical exposure varied from a one-week run in [[Los Angeles]] to individual local screenings sponsored by supporters. (A similar approach was successful for [[Robert Greenwald]]'s documentary ''[[Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War]]'' and other Greenwald films.) The documentary has been shown in [[Stanford]], [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], [[New York]], [[Florida]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Louisiana]], [[Indiana]], [[Nevada]], [[Virginia]], [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], [[Toronto]], [[Kansas City]] and [[Norway]]. Unlike the majority of theatrical productions released on DVD, ''The God Who Wasn't There'' includes theatrical screening rights (called "public performance rights" in the industry), so that anyone who buys it can hold a screening, including a screening for paid admission.

On [[April 11]], [[2006]], the [http://www.waroneaster.org War on Easter] promotional campaign was launched, whereby the first [[Number of the Beast|666]] people who hide copies of the DVD in churches win replacement DVDs.

== See also ==
* [[Historicity of Jesus]]
* [[Jesus-Myth]]
* ''[[The Root of All Evil?]]''

== External links ==
* [http://www.thegodmovie.com Official Website]
* {{imdb title|id=0455507|title=The God Who Wasn't There}}
* [http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2687567?htv=12 iFilm page]
* [http://home.ca.inter.net/oblio/home.htm Earl Doherty's Website Exploring the Jesus-Myth]
* [http://www.jesusneverexisted.com Extensive Website Exploring the Jesus-Myth]
* [http://www.slumdance.com/blogs/brian_flemming/archives/cat_the_god_who_wasnt_there.html Brian Flemming's Personal Web Blog]
* [http://www.aaronsw.com/weblog/thegodmovie Review of the filmmaking quality ("A shockingly good film")]
* [http://members.optusnet.com.au/gakuseidon/God_Who_Wasnt_There_analysis.htm Review by Christian ("Presents inaccurate information as fact")]
* [http://nobeliefs.com/GodWhoWasntThere.htm Review by atheist ("Outstanding and controversial documentary")]
* [http://www.thegodmovie.com/faq.php Producer's official response to criticisms]

[[Category:2005 films|God Who Wasn't There]]
[[Category:Documentaries|God Who Wasn't There]]
[[Category:Christian films|God Who Wasn't There, The]]

Happy Human

2006-06-02T05:11:28Z

WhyBeNormal: /* Organisations Using the Happy Human */

[[Image:humanism.png|right|frame|The Happy Human]]
:''This article discusses Humanism as a non-theistic [[belief system]] (the term preferred by Humanists is "life stance"). For other uses of the term "humanism", please see [[Humanism]].''

The '''Happy Human''' is the official symbol of the [[International Humanist and Ethical Union]] (IHEU), a world body for [[Humanism (belief system)|Humanism]], and has been adopted by many Humanist organisations and individuals worldwide. This symbol was chosen in the [[1960s]] after a competition organised by the [[British Humanist Association]]. The winning design was created by Dennis Barrington.

The copyright is held by the [[British Humanist Association]], which freely licenses use of the symbol by [[bona fide]] Humanist organisations worldwide. A great many Humanist organisations use the symbol or an adapted version of it.

==Organisations Using the Happy Human==
*[[American Humanist Association]]
*[[British Humanist Association]]
*[[Council for Secular Humanism]]
*[[Council of Australian Humanist Societies]] (CAHS)
*[http://www.humanism.be/ European Humanist Association]
*[[Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association]]
*[[Humanist Association of Canada]]
*[[Humanist Association of Ireland]]
*[[Humanist Society of New Zealand]]
*[[Humanist Society of Scotland]]
*[http://www.huumanists.org/ HUUmanists]
*[[Indian Humanist Union]]
*[[Institute for Humanist Studies]]
''(This list is incomplete — you can help by [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Happy_Human&action=edit&section=1 adding to it.])''

==External links==

*[http://www.humanism.org.uk/site/cms/contentViewArticle.asp?article=1987 British Humanist Association page on the Symbol]
*''[http://www.iheu.org/node/180 Humanism is Eight Letters, No More]'' — An endorsement of the Happy Human by some leaders of the IHEU, including former Presidents of the IHEU, Rob Tielman and Levi Fragell.
*[http://www.humanistsofutah.org/1996/artfeb96.htm Origins of the Happy Human logo] based on information from Victorian Humanist Association, a member organisation of [[CAHS]]

*[[Category:Humanism]]
*[[Category:Symbolism]]

Miller-Test

2006-04-23T18:36:04Z

WhyBeNormal: Reverted edits by 72.73.35.27 (Talk) to last version by Bhuston

The '''Miller test''' is the [[Supreme Court of the United States|United States Supreme Court]]'s test for determining whether speech or expression can be labeled [[obscene]], in which case it is not protected by the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution]] and can be prohibited.

The Miller test was developed in the [[1973]] case ''[[Miller v. California]]''. It has three parts:

*Whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the [[wiktionary:prurient|prurient]] interest,
*Whether the work depicts/describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by applicable state law,
*Whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious [[literary]], [[artistic]], political, or scientific value.

The third condition is also known as the ''SLAPS test''. The work is considered obscene only if all three conditions are satisfied.

For legal scholars, several issues are important. One is that the test allows for community standards rather than a national standard. What offends the average person in [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]] may differ from what offends the average person in [[San Francisco]]. The relevant community, however, is not defined.

Another important issue is that Miller asks for an interpretation of what the "average" person finds offensive, rather than what the more sensitive persons in the community are offended by, as obscenity was defined by the previous test, the [[Hicklin test]], stemming from the English precedent.

Because it allows for community standards and demands "serious" value, some worried that this test would make it easier to suppress speech and expression. They pointed out that it replaced a stricter test asking whether the speech or expression was "utterly without redeeming social value"--a much tougher standard than "serious" value. As used, however, the test generally makes it difficult to outlaw any form of expression. Even [[pornography]], with the exception of [[child pornography]], is argued to have some artistic or literary value.

Some critics of obscenity law argue that the existence of Miller proves that federal obscenity laws are in fact not defined, and thus unenforceable and legally dubious. [http://www.spectacle.org/296/obscene.html][http://www.nexusjournal.org/2005obscenity/75-82.pdf]

In practice, pornography showing genitalia and sexual acts is not normally obscene according to the Miller test. For instance, in [[2000]] a jury took only a few minutes to clear Larry Peterman, ''Movie Buffs'' video store owner in [[Provo, Utah]], which had often boasted of being one of the most conservative counties in the US. Researchers had shown that guests at the local [[Marriott Hotel]] were disproportionately large consumers of [[pay-per-view]] [[pornographic]] material, obtaining far more material that way than the store was distributing [http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/23/technology/23PORN.html?ex=1069736400&en=57fa1d3549a43013&ei=5070][http://lists.essential.org/pipermail/commercial-alert/2000/000042.html].

The advent of the [[Internet]] has made this definition more difficult to maintain: as material published on a [[web server]] in one place can be read by a person residing anywhere else where there is a computer with internet access, there is a question as to which jurisdiction should apply. The pending case ''[[United States of America v. Extreme Associates]]'' includes some content delivered purely over the Internet and may clarify the situation. This case includes a video called ''Forced Entry'', which includes depictions of [[rape]], [[murder]], suffocation, beatings and urination in sexual contexts. Each of the components when considered alone, is not uncommon in sexual fantasy (murder probably being the least common) and, except for murder, feature routinely in sexual activities of varying proportions of the US population.

==See also==
*[[Artistic merit]]
*[[Lady Chatterley's Lover]]
*[[Literary merit]]

[[Category:First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution]]
[[Category:Obscenity law]]
[[Category:Pornography]]

Penrose-Treppe

2006-04-13T00:07:04Z

WhyBeNormal: space

The '''Penrose stairs''' is an [[impossible object]] devised by [[Lionel Penrose]] and his son [[Roger Penrose]] and can be seen as a variation on his [[Penrose triangle]]. It is a two-dimensional depiction of a staircase in which the stairs make four 90-degree turns as they ascend or descend yet form a continuous loop, so that a person could climb them forever and never get any higher. This is clearly impossible in three dimensions; the two-dimensional figure achieves this paradox by distorting perspective.

The best known example of Penrose stairs appears in the [[lithograph]] ''Ascending and Descending'' by [[M. C. Escher]], where it is incorporated into a [[monastery]] where several [[monk]]s do [[penance]] by ascending continuously, but are allowed to turn around and descend occasionally.

The staircase had also been discovered previously by the Swedish artist [[Oscar Reutersvärd]], but neither Penrose nor Escher were aware of his designs.

In terms of [[sound]], the [[Shepard tone]] is a similar illusion.

==External links==
* [http://psylux.psych.tu-dresden.de/i1/kaw/diverses%20Material/www.illusionworks.com/html/impossible_staircase.html "Impossible Staircase"]
[[Category:Optical illusions]]
[[fr:Escalier de Penrose]]

Japanophilie

2006-04-03T20:36:16Z

WhyBeNormal: remove pointless comic reference

{{wiktionary}}
A '''Japanophile''' is any person with a strong interest in one or more aspects of [[Japan]] or [[Culture of Japan|Japanese culture]], or a non-Japanese who loves Japan (as the etymology of the word suggests). The word is occasionally used in a derogatory manner to denote a person with a (perceived) obsessive interest with Japan. Japanophile is also commonly used to describe individuals who fall into one or more of the following categories:
:* Scholars on the [[History of Japan]]
:* Students of the [[Japanese language]]
:* Scholars on the [[sociology of Japan]]
:* Politicians seen as particularly favourable to Japanese interests
:* Fans of a particular aspect of Japanese culture (such as [[anime]], [[sumo|sumo wrestling]], [[Japanese cuisine]], and so forth)
:* Anyone seen as (or believed to be) knowledgeable regarding a particular aspect of Japan, its culture or its influence.

Notable Japanophiles have included [[Lafcadio Hearn]] and [[Steven Seagal]].

Some Japanophiles have been criticised for having a limited perception of Japanese culture, and many of their likes of Japan are based on Western perceptions. Anime and Japanese video game fans are often criticised for this. Another peril of japanophilia is the tendency to view everything through an adopted, innaccurate Japanese cultural filter; e.g. equating mastery of swordsmanship (a broad concept) with formal rank and recognition in [[Kendo]] (a ritualized and rule-governed Japanese [[sport]]).

==See also==
* [[Asian fetish]]
* [[Asiaphilia]]
* [[Culture of Japan]]
* [[Otaku]]
* [[Wapanese]]

[[Category:Japan in non-Japanese culture]]
[[Category:Subcultures]]

[[ko:친일파]]
[[ja:親日派]]
[[sv:Japanofil]]

Americans United for Separation of Church and State

2006-04-03T00:23:37Z

WhyBeNormal:

'''Americans United for Separation of Church and State''' ('''Americans United''' or '''AU''' for short) is an advocacy group in the [[United States]] which promotes the [[separation of church and state]], a concept of political philosophy and, in the US, a legal doctrine that the AU sees as enshrined in the [[Establishment Clause of the First Amendment]] to the [[United States Constitution]].

The group was founded in 1947 as '''Protestants United for Separation of Church and State''' (later changing its name to the current one) and has both religious and non-religious members, as well as members of multiple [[political party|political parties]]. Its current executive director is [[Barry W. Lynn|Rev. Barry W. Lynn]], an ordained minister in the [[United Church of Christ ]][http://www.house.gov/scott/press/07.02.01.panelist.bios.htm] [http://www.secularstudents.org/activism/conference/speakers.html] [http://oak.conncoll.edu/~adfio/speakers.html], and its headquarters are in [[Washington, DC]]. [http://www.au.org/site/PageServer?pagename=aboutau]

The group opposes:[http://www.au.org/site/PageServer?pagename=issues]
* "Electioneering" by non-profit churches and religious groups
* The [[faith-based initiatives]] of the Bush Administration
* Religious content in official ceremony such as the phrase "[[In God We Trust]]" on U.S. currency and the phrase "under God" in the [[Pledge of Allegiance]].
* Religious education, mandatory [[prayer]], and [[Bible]] reading in the [[Public education|public schools]]
* Educational vouchers which may be used to direct government funds to private religious schools
* The [[Federal Marriage Amendment]], because it privileges religious groups that do not sanction same-sex unions over those that do.
* The presence of religious symbols on public property, for example, the posting of the [[Ten Commandments]] in government buildings (see ''[[Van Orden v. Perry]]'' and ''[[McCreary County v. ACLU of Kentucky]]'')
* It opposes the teaching of [[creationism]] in [[public schools]]. It was involved with the ''[[Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District]]'' case which involves the teaching of [[intelligent design]].
* The agenda and activities of what it calls the "[[Religious Right]]"

The group supports:[http://www.au.org/site/PageServer?pagename=issues]
* The free exercise of religion
* The right of each religious group to define marriage on its own theological terms.
* Judicial nominees that strongly support separation of church and state
* Groups that strongly support separation of church and state
==See also==
* [[Christian Right]]
* [[Christian Left]]

==External link==
* [http://www.au.org/ Americans United official website]

[[Category:Government watchdog groups in the U.S.]]
[[Category:Political advocacy groups in the United States]]
[[Category:Religion and politics]]

Sonnensymbol

2006-03-20T02:24:57Z

WhyBeNormal: /* See also */

A '''solar symbol''' is a [[symbol]] which symbolises the [[sun]]. Solar symbols can have significance in [[psychoanalysis]], [[symbolism]], [[astrology]], [[religion]], [[mythology]], [[mysticism]], [[heraldry]], and [[vexillology]].

Some solar symbols include:

==Circular symmetry==
===Circle===
A simple [[circle]] or circular disk can be a solar symbol, as in the [[flag of Japan]], the [[flag of Bangladesh]], and the [[Australian aboriginal flag]], or in three-dimensional form as part of the [[Trundholm sun chariot]] (though obviously a circle can have many other possible meanings).

===Circle with a point at its centre===
[[Image:Circumpunct.png|left|Circumpunct]]

This is an ancient solar symbol featuring a circle with its center marked with a [[dot]] (⊙). It is the astrological/[[astronomical symbol]] for the sun, and the ancient [[Egypt|Egyptian]] sign for "sun" or "[[Ra]]" in the [[hieroglyphic]] writing system. The character for "sun" or "day" in early [[Chinese script]] was similar, but it has become square in modern script: 日 (''ri'').

(See ''[[Circle with a point at its centre]]'' for non-solar meanings.)

==Four-fold symmetry==
===Sun cross===
[[Image:Simple crossed circle.svg|left|Solar cross]]
The "sun cross" or "solar wheel" is often considered to represent the four seasons and the tropical year, and therefore the sun (though as an [[astronomical symbol]] it means "earth").

See article [[Sun cross]] for main discussion.
 

===Swastika===
[[Image:Broken crossed circle.svg|left|"Broken" solar cross, circular swastika]]

The [[swastika]] can be derived from the sun cross, and is another solar symbol in some contexts (though it may not have this meaning in all religious or cultural traditions). It is used among Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus (see [[manji]]) in addition to its infamous [[Nazism|Nazi]] associations.
 

===Eight-pointed star===
[[Image:UdmurtiaFlag.gif|left|140px|Flag of Udmurtia]]
An eight-pointed star (but usually having only four-fold symmetry) with solar meaning appears on the flags of several Russian subdivisions — such as [[Flag of Udmurtia|Udmurtia]], [[Mordovia]], [[Mari El]], and [[Chuvashia]] — and had a similar meaning on the [[Flag of Iraq#1959.E2.80.931963|1959-1963 flag of Iraq]].
 

==Threefold symmetry==
[[Image:Triskelion-spiral-threespoked-inspiral.png|left|132px|"Wheeled" form of Triple Spiral or Triskelion symbol]]
Some forms of the [[triple spiral]] or [[triskelion]] signs are sometimes considered to be solar symbols. The triskelion on the flag of [[Ingushetia]] is given this meaning.
 

==Rayed depictions==
[[Image:Ihslgoldblueogo.jpg|left|120px|Jesuit emblem with solar symbolism]]
A circular disk with alternating triangular and wavy rays emanating from it is a frequent symbol or artistic depiction of the sun. Minimally, there are four straight rays and four wavy rays (as in the ancient Mesopotamian symbol of the sun-god [[Shamash]]), but there can be a higher number. The [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] emblem (see left), the [[flag of Uruguay]], the [[flag of Kiribati]], some versions of the [[flag of Argentina]], and the [http://flagspot.net/flags/iq_1959.html#coa 1959-1965 coat of arms of Iraq] are official insignia which incorporate such symbolism.

The depictions of the sun on the [[flag of Taiwan]], the [[flag of Kazakhstan]], and the [[flag of Nepal]] have only straight (triangular) rays, while that on the [[flag of Kyrgyzstan]] has only curvy rays. The [[flag of the Philippines]] has short diverging rays grouped into threes.

Another form of rayed depiction of the sun is with simple radial lines dividing the field into two colors, as in the [[Flag of Japan#Military|military flags of Japan]] and the current [[flag of Macedonia]], and in the top parts of the [[flag of Tibet]] and the [[flag of Arizona]].

 

==See also==
*[[Symbolism]]
*[[Sunwheel]]
*[[Solar myth]]
*[[Winged sun]]

==External links==
*[http://www.symbols.com/encyclopedia/26/268.html Symbols.com description of circle with dot at its center]
*[http://www.symbols.com/encyclopedia/29/291.html Symbols.com description of sun cross]
*[http://www.symbols.com/encyclopedia/13/132.html Symbols.com description of tetraskele]
*[http://www.symbols.com/encyclopedia/25/2516.html Symbols.com description of Shamash symbol]

[[Category:Symbols]]
[[Category:Sun]]

[[sv:Solsymbol]]

Catch-22 (Dilemma)

2006-02-25T06:55:55Z

WhyBeNormal: /* See also */

'''Catch 22''' has become a term, inspired by [[Joseph Heller]]'s novel ''[[Catch-22]]'', describing a general situation in which an individual has to accomplish two actions, both of which require that the other one be done first. A familiar example of this circumstance occurs in the context of job searching. In moving from school to a [[career]], one may encounter a Catch-22 where one cannot get a [[employment|job]] without [[work experience]], but one cannot gain experience without a job.

Catch-22 situations are sometimes called '''vicious circles''' or '''[[the chicken or the egg]]''' problems.

== Mathematical definition ==
The problem represents a situation where <math>A</math> must have been preceded by <math>B</math>, and <math>B</math> must have been preceded by <math>A</math>. In terms of [[Symbolic Logic]], <math>(\neg B \Rightarrow \neg A) \wedge (\neg A \Rightarrow \neg B)</math> where either <math>A</math> or <math>B</math> must come into being first.

== Original use ==
This common use of the term represents a slightly different problem from the prime example in Heller's novel. In that novel, the Catch-22 is a no-win situation, much like the "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenario described further down.

The prototypical Catch-22 considers the case of a [[United States Army Air Corps|U.S. Army Air Force]] [[bombardier (air force)|bombardier]] who wishes to be excused from combat flight duty. In order to be excused from such duty, he must submit an official medical diagnosis from his squadron's [[flight surgeon]], demonstrating that he is unfit because he is insane. However, according to Army regulations, any sane person would naturally not want to fly combat missions because they are so dangerous. By requesting permission not to fly combat missions, on the grounds of insanity, the bombardier demonstrates that he is in fact sane and therefore is fit to fly. Conversely, any flyer who wished to fly on combat runs implicitly demonstrated that he was insane and was unfit to fly and ought to be excused. Naturally, such flyers never submitted such requests. Of course, if they did, the "catch" would assert itself, short-circuiting any such attempt to escape from combat duty.

An alternative approach to the catch follows: sanity as a prerequisite to discovering one is insane. If one submits a request to stop flying because they are insane, it shows enough sanity to recognize one is insane. In other words, one has to be sane to recognize their own insanity.

In other words, if one does ask to be excused, this is a sign of sanity, and yet one can't be excused if sane. If one does not ask to be excused, one must be insane, but one cannot be excused unless one asks. This refers to the "[[damned if you do, damned if you don't]]" scenario.

The Catch-22 problem can never be solved and one is always limited by these circumstances and these requirements.

== Damned if you do, damned if you don't ==
'''Damned if you do, damned if you don't''' is another kind of Catch-22 situation, sometimes called [[zugzwang]], in which one is placed into an unfavorable situation no matter what choice one makes. It is representative of an impossible-to-escape, unwinnable situation.

An example of this is the [[Kobayashi Maru]] exam in the [[Star Trek]] universe. In it, a [[cadet]] assumes a command position on a starship that intercepts an [[SOS]] message from another allied ship in enemy territory. If they choose to ignore it, the ship is eventually attacked by enemy forces and destroyed with no survivors. However, if they choose to enter enemy territory to try to rescue the other ship, they find that the SOS was a decoy for an enemy trap, and they are attacked by a superior enemy force and destroyed.

== See also ==
*[[Hobson's choice]]
*[[Morton's Fork]]
*[[Circular logic]]
*[[Double bind]] (a type of formalized catch-22 which is found in psychology and psychotherapy)
*[[Reductio ad absurdum]]
*[[The Game (game)|The Game]]
*[[Lesser of two evils principle (politics)|Lesser of two evils principle]]

[[Category:English phrases]]
[[Category:Logic]]
[[Category:Neologisms]]

Michael Martin (Philosoph)

2006-02-20T05:27:09Z

WhyBeNormal: /* External links */

'''Michael Martin''' is a [[philosopher]] at [[Boston University]] as professor emeritus.

Martin has concerned himself largely with [[philosophy of religion]], though the philosophies of science, law, and sport have not escaped his attention. On the former, Martin has published a copious number of books and articles defending [[atheism]] and various [[arguments against the existence of god]] in exhaustive detail. Martin, in his introduction to ''Atheism: a Philosophical Justification'', cites a general absence of an atheistic response to contemporary work in philosophy of religion, and accepts the responsibility of a rigorous defense of nonbelief as, ironically, his cross to bear.
:"The aim of this book is not to make atheism a popular belief or even to overcome its invisibility. My object is not utopian. It is merely to provide good reasons for being an atheist...My object is to show that atheism is a rational position and that belief in God is not. I am quite aware that theistic beliefs are not always based on reason. My claim is that they should be."
:''Atheism: a Philosophical Justification'', (24).

==Published books==
*Atheism, Morality, and Meaning (Amherst, NY: Prometheus, 2002)
*Legal Realism: American and Scandinavian (New York: Peter Lang, 1996)
*The Big Domino in The Sky and Other Atheistic Tales, (Buffalo: Prometheus Books, 1996)
*Readings in the Philosophy of Social Science (Cambridge:The MIT Press, 1994) with L. McIntyre.
*The Case Against Christianity (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1991)
*Atheism: A Philosophical Justification (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1990)
*The Legal Philosophy of H.L.A. Hart: A Critical Appraisal (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1987)
*Social Science and Philosophical Analysis: Essays on The Philosophy of The Social Sciences (Washington, D.C.: University Press Of America), 1978
*Concepts of Science Education: A Philosophical Analysis (Chicago: Scott-Foresman,1972)
*Probability, Confirmation and Simplicity (New York: Odyssey Press, 1966) with M. Foster

==External links==
* Martin's [http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/michael_martin/index.shtml page] from [[infidels.org]], which contains a number of his critiques of theism
* Martin's [http://www.bu.edu/philo/faculty/martin.html homepage] at Boston University

[[Category:American philosophers|Martin, Michael]]
[[Category:Analytic philosophers|Martin, Michael]]
[[Category:Atheist philosophers|Martin, Michael]]
[[Category:Materialists|Martin, Michael]]

[[hu:Michael Martin]]

Moon Pie

2006-02-07T21:28:07Z

WhyBeNormal:

A '''moon pie''' is a modern-day [[pastry]] food, invented during the first half of the [[20th century]]. It consists of two [[graham cracker]]s shaped into round [[cookie]]s, with [[marshmallow]] filling in the center. The confection is then dipped in [[chocolate]] (or other flavors).

Moon pies are seen as a unique creation of the [[U.S. Southern States|United States' South]], where they have been a perennial favorite since their inception. The story behind the name "moon pie" began in [[1917]], though the exact details have passed on into [[urban legend]]. Supposedly, a bakery salesperson from [[Chattanooga, Tennessee]] named "Mr. Mitchell" visited a nearby [[coal]] [[mining]] town, and asked what kind of [[snack food]] the miners would like to eat. He was told that a popular confection involved graham crackers and marshmallows, and so he asked one of the local miners how big he wanted the snack to be. The miner made a circle with his hands and outlined the moon, which had risen in the sky at that time. "As big as the [[moon]] and twice as thick," he replied. Mr. Mitchell used this as the inspiration for the "moon pie."

Moon pies reached the peak of their popularity during the [[1950s]], when many workers bought them as an inexpensive snack to tide their hunger for a while. Around this time, the typical cost of a moon pie was about five [[United States dollar|cents]], and a soda to drink was also a nickel. The popular legend of moon pies states that [[R.C. Cola]] became the drink of choice to accompany a moon pie, because a serving of R.C. Cola was typically larger than a serving of [[Coca-Cola]] or other sodas. The combination of "an R.C. Cola and a moon pie" became inseparable, and was often referred to as the "working man's lunch." At an average cost of ten cents, the food combination became an institution (in part, by references to it in the comedy routines of [[Brother Dave Gardner]]).

The moon pie is a traditional throw of [[Carnival]] [[krewe]]s in [[Mobile, Alabama]] and other communities along the [[Mississippi]] [[Gulf of Mexico|Gulf Coast]], although it is seldom seen in [[New Orleans]] or other communities further west. The westernmost outpost of the moon pie as an important Carnival throw is [[Slidell, Louisiana]], which has a parade called "Mona Lisa Moon Pie."

In the northern regions of the United States, a moon pie is called a "scooter pie." In [[New England]], a similar item is known as a "[[Whoopie pie|Whoopie Pie]]," though chocolate cookies are used instead of graham crackers and the pastry is not dipped in chocolate. Elsewhere, including [[Canada]], it is known as a "wagon wheel." "MoonPie" is a registered trademark of The Chattanooga Bakery. The UK also calls them Wagon Wheels where they are manufactured by [http://www.burtonsfoods.com Burtons Biscuits].

Compare [[Mallomars]].

==External link==
* [http://www.moonpie.com/ The Chattanooga Bakery's official page]
* [http://www.nicecupofteaandasitdown.com/biscuits/previous.php3?item=64 Pictures]
[[Category:Cookies]]
[[Category:Cuisine of the Southern United States]]

Venetia Phair

2006-01-13T18:17:33Z

WhyBeNormal: /* External links */

'''Venetia Burney''' (born [[1919]]) or '''Venetia Phair''' (married name) was the first person to suggest the name [[Pluto (planet)|Pluto]] for the planet discovered by [[Clyde Tombaugh|Clyde W. Tombaugh]] in [[1930]]. She lived in [[Oxford, England|Oxford]], [[England]], and was 11 years old at the time.

Burney was the great-niece of [[Henry Madan]] ([[1838]]–[[1901]]), Science Master of [[Eton College|Eton]], who in [[1878]] had suggested the names [[Phobos (moon)|Phobos]] and [[Deimos (moon)|Deimos]] for the [[natural satellite|moon]]s of [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. [http://adsabs.harvard.edu//full/seri/Obs../0053//0000199.000.html] Her grandfather [[Falconer Madan]] ([[1851]]–[[1935]]), Librarian of the [[Bodleian Library]] of [[Oxford University]], was the brother of Henry Madan. [http://amblesideonline.homestead.com/PRPlanetPluto.html]

On [[March 14]] [[1930]], Falconer Madan read the story of the new planet's discovery in ''[[The Times]]'' of London, and mentioned it to his granddaughter Venetia. She suggested the name Pluto, and Falconer Madan forwarded the suggestion to astronomer [[Herbert Hall Turner]], who cabled his American colleagues at [[Lowell Observatory]].

Venetia grew up to be a teacher and married a man named Maxwell Phair. [[As of 2006]], she is 87 years old and living in [[Epsom]].

==External links==
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4596246.stm The girl who named a planet] ([[BBC News Online]])
* [http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/class/wr/article/0,17585,629761,00.html The Girl Who Named Pluto]
* [http://www.amblesideonline.org/PR/PR62p030PlanetPluto.shtml Parents' Union School Diamond Jubilee Magazine: The Planet 'Pluto' by K.M. Claxton]
* [http://inamidst.com/notes/venetia What Planet is This?: Venetia Burney and Pluto]

[[Category:1919 births|Burney, Venetia]]
[[Category:Astronomy people|Burney, Venetia]]

Kanon (Fiktion)

2006-01-10T21:18:18Z

WhyBeNormal: /* See also */

In the context of fiction, the '''canon''' of a [[fictional universe]] comprises those novels, stories, films, etc. that are considered to be genuine (or "official"), and those events, characters, settings, etc. that are considered to have inarguable existence within the fictional universe. Usually items that are considered canon come from the original source of the fictional universe while '''non-canon''' material comes from adaptations or unofficial items. Generally, [[Expanded Universe]]s are not considered canon, though there are exceptions which are considered '''near-canon'''. By analogy with the idea of a canon of [[Scripture]], things which are not canon are considered [[apocrypha|"apocryphal"]]. See [[Biblical canon]].

[[Fan-fiction]] is never considered canon. Sometimes, however, events or characterizations portrayed in fan-fiction can become so influential that they are respected in fiction written by many different authors, and may be mistaken for canonical facts by fans. This is referred to as "[[fanon (fiction)|fanon]]". The use of fan-fiction to fill gaps or continuity errors in canon is derisively called "fanwanking," or "fanwank". (The terms fanon and fanwank can apply to officially licensed works as well.)

There is no unanimous opinion on whether having a definitive canon in a fictional setting is useful, desirable or even possible. Canonicity of fiction is a distinctly modern idea, since earlier ages, before the current ideas of [[intellectual property]] came about, did not distinguish between "official" and "unofficial" sources of stories.

A great deal of the interest and controversy over canonicity comes from the Star Wars franchise, because of the unique-for-its-time goal of derivative works such as Star Wars books to be completely in continuity with each other and with the Star Wars movies.

==Examples of fictional canons==
===[[Babylon 5]]===
The canon consists of the television series ''[[Babylon 5]]'' and its later TV movies, the TV series ''[[Crusade (TV series)|Crusade]]'', novels published by [[Random House|Dell]] and [[Ballantine Books|Del Rey/Ballantine]], various short stories, and the ''Babylon 5'' comic book published by [[DC Comics]]. This was decided by [[J. Michael Straczynski]], who maintained a tight control on the expanded universe to ensure that nearly '''everything''' was canonical; going so far as to pen elaborate story-outlines hundreds of pages long for the novels' authors based upon his personal historical notes for the B5 universe, and in general seeking to safeguard the spinoff works' reputations for being every bit as legitimate and sophisticated as the television series.

The ''Babylon 5'' novels have a number of major elements that are considered canon by series creator Straczynski. However, the later ones published by Del Rey are generally regarded as being '''more''' canonical than some of the early Dell books, which were published with less storyline oversight by Straczynski than he would later exercise.

The seventh and ninth Dell novels — ''The Shadow Within'' by Jeanne Cavelos and ''To Dream in the City of Sorrows'' by Kathryn M. Drennan — are the only two books from this run which are considered to be canonical in their entirety, whereas all of the Del Rey novels are fully endorsed by the series' creator, along with the DC comic books and short fiction.

===[[Beauty and the Beast (series)|Beauty and the Beast]]===
Most fans of the [[CBS]] television series consider all episodes of the first season, and at least all Season 2 episodes through "The Hollow Men," to be canonical. Opinions diverge at this point, as the writing of the series took a much darker turn, in an attempt to increase the series' [[Nielsen ratings]] beyond its narrow fan niche; and the final three Season 2 episodes, focusing on Vincent's madness, do not appeal to many fans, who focus on the romantic or literary aspects of the characters.

The sharpest divergence of opinion comes when Season 3 is considered. Fan groups divide into two camps, between those who accept or reject the death of [[Beauty and the Beast (series)#Catherine Chandler|Catherine Chandler]] and the introduction of [[Beauty and the Beast (series)#Diana Bennett|Diana Bennett]]. It has been noted by some that those who accept Season 3 as canonical usually refer to the series as ''B&B'', while the opposite side uses ''BATB''. The opinion divided the fan community enough that an audience roundtable discussion on "Healing the Rift in Fandom" was organized at the 1991 ''South of Oz'' fan convention in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]].

===DC Universe===
====DC Universe (comics)====
Most, but not all, [[comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]] take place in a shared world known as the [[DC Universe]]. The canon of this world comprises all the [[post-Crisis]] comics not stated to be set in an [[alternate universe]], except those specifically contradicted by later stories following ''[[Zero Hour (comics)|Zero Hour]]'' (most notably, ''[[Batman: Year Two]]'', ''[[Batman: Son of the Demon]]'' and the ''[[Action Comics]] Weekly'' strip featuring [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]]). The events may not have occurred exactly as shown, however, owing to the [[floating timeline]].

Appearances of the DC Comics characters in other media are not considered canon, however, the appearance of a Marvel Comics character, Jigsaw, during a Marvel/DC comics publishing [[Intercompany crossover|crossover]], is apparently considered a piece of canon for the adventures of Jean-Paul Valley, aka [[Azrael]], who at one point took up the role of The [[Batman]]. Jigsaw was an enemy of Frank Castle, a Marvel Comics character called The [[Punisher]].

Some discrepancies in the DC Universe's canon may be accounted for by the concept of [[Hypertime (comics)|Hypertime]]. Others may be addressed in an anticipated continuity revision stemming from the current [[fictional crossover|crossover]] series ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''.

====DC Animated Universe====
Many of the DC [[animated television series]] of the [[1990s]] and [[2000s]] comprise their own canon, distinct from that of the comic books that spawned them (as well as previous animated series based on the same properties). This "[[DC Animated Universe]]" includes ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''; ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]''; ''[[Batman Beyond]]''; ''[[Static Shock]]''; ''[[Justice League (animated series)]]''; and ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', as well as the animated movies ''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]''; ''[[World's Finest]]''; ''[[Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero]]''; ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]]''; and ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]''.

The comic books based on the animated series are not considered part of the animated canon.

The ''[[Teen Titans (animated series)|Teen Titans]]'' animated series, although based on DC comics, is its own continuity with no real ties to the main "DCAU".

===Doctor Who===
There has never been an "official" statement on what is canonical ''[[Doctor Who]]''. ''Doctor Who'' has never had a single author or authority and it is apparent that the [[BBC]], which owns the series, has generally not cared about the matter. The many creators of ''Doctor Who'' have always treated the concept of continuity loosely. Fans run a spectrum between those who consider only the television series canonical and those who consider all ''Doctor Who'' canonical. Within that spectrum many view the licensed [[novels]] and [[radio drama|audio plays]] as at least near-canonical, and some of those would also include the ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' comic strips. It is generally assumed that all televised ''Doctor Who'' episodes from 1963 to 1989, the 1981 spin-off ''[[K-9 and Company]]'', the [[Doctor Who (1996)|1996 telemovie]] and the new series, which started in 2005, are canonical, including a 1965 episode in which the [[First Doctor]] breaks the [[fourth wall]] to wish viewers a Merry [[Christmas]] ("The Feast of Steven", episode 7 of ''[[The Daleks' Master Plan]]'').

Generally, the canonical status of all [[Doctor Who spin-offs|Doctor Who spin-off]] media outside of what has been presented on screen (bar obvious spoofs) is debatable, including the [[BBC radio]] dramas and [[webcast]]s based upon the show. The two theatrical films based upon the series in the 1960s, starring [[Peter Cushing]], are not generally considered canonical, nor is the considerable background information contained in the [[role-playing game]] produced by FASA in the [[1980s]].

Many of the short stories in the BBC anthology ''Short Trips and Side Steps'' have settings generally considered non-canonical; for instance, one story features the [[Cushing Doctor]], while another is set between the [[Children in Need]] ''[[EastEnders]]'' crossover ''[[Dimensions in Time]]'' and the Doctor's appearance in the schools' programme ''[[Search Out Science]]''.

The comic strips (''Ground Zero'', DWM #238-242), [[Eighth Doctor Adventures]] (''Sometime Never...'' by [[Justin Richards]]) and the [[Big Finish Productions]] audio plays (''[[Zagreus (Doctor Who audio)|Zagreus]]'') have all attempted to provide an in-continuity explanation for discrepancies by suggesting that their respective continuities take place in separate [[parallel universe]]s.

A new series of novels based upon the current ''Doctor Who'' series is under way. There have been subtle references to a few of the literary storylines in televised episodes, but thus far not enough to allow determination as to whether these books are considered canon.

===Firefly/Serenity===
The canon of ''[[Firefly (television series)|Firefly]]'' and its cinematic follow-up ''[[Serenity (film)|Serenity]]'' is the fourteen episodes of ''Firefly'', the film ''Serenity'', and the three-issue [[Dark Horse Comics]] series, also titled ''[[Serenity (comic)|Serenity]]'', that bridges the television series and the film.

===Harry Potter===
While there is no official statement on what is considered to be [[Harry Potter]] canon, the majority of fans generally accept it to be the works which come straight from [[J. K. Rowling]] herself. These include the six novels and the two "textbooks", ''Quidditch through the Ages'' and ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them''. Many fans will also consider any fact about the series that she has stated on her site, [http://www.jkrowling.com], to be canon. Although Rowling is consulted at the writing stage, the Warner Bros. movie adaptations are generally not considered to be canon, and often contain fundamental contradictions with Rowling's works. [[The Harry Potter Lexicon|The HP Lexicon]], a respected Harry Potter encyclopedia on the internet, proposes the following set of canon rules: [http://www.hp-lexicon.org/help/hp-faq.html#canon]

===Highlander===
{{seemain|Highlander (film)#Series/Film separation}}

Many fans of [[Highlander (film)|Highlander]] consider only the first film to be canon (reciting "there can be only one"). Others distinguish the first three films as belonging to one continuity (the "Connor Universe") and the [[Highlander: The Series|television series]] and ''Highlander: Endgame'' as belonging to another (the "Duncan Universe").

===The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy===
There were so many changes by [[Douglas Adams]] himself that the original story remains unknown.
The publications were continuously improved; characters, locations, events introduced, removed, modified. Even the [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (book)|title's spelling]] may differ among editions. Finally, he declared in a preface to his 5-book "trilogy" to be the canon, but translations of apparently the same edition fail to match the number of chapters. The [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (film)|movie]] also tells us a significantly modified story.

However, the [[main characters]] ([[Arthur Dent]], [[Ford Prefect]], [[Trillian (character)|Trillian]], [[Zaphod Beeblebrox|Zaphod]] and [[Marvin the Paranoid Android|Marvin]]) are static personalities; as well as other instances like [[Vogons]], [[Towel]], [[42 (number)|42]], the destruction of Earth and, of course, [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|The Guide]] itself are unchangable.

The author's goal to communicate the canon idea behind the flow of events makes the order or presence of actions superfluous.

===[[James Bond]]===
Fans of [[Ian Fleming]]'s superspy are divided over what is considered official canon. There is little argument that all of Fleming's original short stories and novels are canon, and some include the [[Kingsley Amis]] Bond novel, ''[[Colonel Sun]]'' in this canon as well. The status of the [[John Gardner (thriller writer)|John Gardner]] and [[Raymond Benson]] Bond novels in canon is less certain, since both book series have been updated and feature elements and characters created for the movie series. Benson's novels are particularly controversial as they appear to be based upon the Bond movie universe, rather than the literary Bond. The various Bond film novelizations are generally considered [[apocryphal]], as is a 1970s "authorized biography" of Bond by [[John Pearson (author)|John Pearson]].

A new series of novels featuring a [[Young Bond|teenaged Bond]] written by [[Charlie Higson]] was released in the beginning of [[2005]]. It remains to be seen if this series will be considered official canon. The TV series ''[[James Bond Jr.]]'', while officially licensed, is not considered canonical.

The Bond movies, meanwhile, appear to exist somewhat outside of any canon. Although there is some between-films continuity (e.g. references to the death of Bond's wife), the ever-changing cast has rendered any sort of canon determination virtually impossible.

===Macross===
The [[Macross]] canon consists of two animated TV series (''[[The Super Dimension Fortress Macross]]'' and its distant sequel, ''[[Macross Seven]]''), a movie which is treated as a historical drama produced in the "Macross universe" (''[[Macross: Ai Oboete Imasu Ka?|Macross: Ai Oboete Imasu Ka?/Macross: Do You Remember Love?]]'') and two Original Animation Videos (''[[Macross Plus]]'', a sequel and ''[[Macross Zero]]'', a prequel). Not included is ''[[Macross II: Lovers Again]]'', a sequel hurriedly produced by [[Big West]] for the 10th Anniversary of Macross in [[1992]].

===Marvel Universe===
Most, but not all, comic books published by [[Marvel Comics]] are set in a shared world known as the [[Marvel Universe]]. The canon for this world comprises all the comics not stated to be set in an [[alternate universe]], except those specifically contradicted by later stories. The events may not have occurred exactly as shown, however, owing to the [[floating timeline]].

Appearances of the Marvel Comics characters in other media are not considered canon.

===Mega Man===
The ''[[Mega Man]]'' or ''Rockman'' canon is a source of much debate, due to confusing information that may had resulted from plotholes in the games.

According to official sources from [[Capcom]] (such as the ''Rockman Perfect Memories'' book), the series' continuity starts with the original "[[Mega Man Classic|Classic]]" series and proceeds to (in order) ''[[Mega Man X]]'', ''[[Mega Man Zero]]'' and ''[[Mega Man Legends]]''. The ''[[Mega Man Battle Network]]'' is set in an alternative universe from the other series and is not part of the franchise's main canon.

''[[Mega Man & Bass]]'', ''Mega Man: Power Battle'' and ''Mega Man: Power Fighters'' are generally accepted as canonical as well. However, the canonical status of some of the other spinoffs, particularly [[Game Boy]] versions of ''Mega Man I'' through ''V''. has not been officially established. The ''Rockman & Forte'' game for [[Wonderswan]] is non-canonical, due to the fact that it was only a licensed product made by Bandai and not developed internally by Capcom.

===Metal Gear===
The ''[[Metal Gear]]'' canon is comprised for the first two games in the series that were originally released for the [[MSX2]] and the later sequels released under the ''[[Metal Gear Solid]]'' title. ''[[Metal Gear: Ghost Babel]]'' (which contained several discrenpancies between it and the main games) and the ''[[Metal Gear Acid]]'' series are considered side-stories set outside the main canon. ''[[Snake's Revenge]]'', an early ''Metal Gear'' sequel released only for the western market, is the only game not officially recognized by [[Hideo Kojima#Kojima Productions|Kojima Productions]]. ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance]]'', an expanded version of ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty]]'', contains a series of side-stories titled "Snake Tales" (set in enviroments recycled from the main game), which are considered uncanonical due to various contradicting details and overall recycled nature of them.

The original ''[[Metal Gear Solid]]'' features two different endings, depending on the player's actions during the "torture event". In the first ending, [[Meryl Silverburgh]] survives the events of the game after Snake successfully resist [[Revolver Ocelot]]'s torture; however, if the player submits to the torture event, then an alternate ending is shown where Snake finds Meryl dead. The subsequent game (''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty]]'') makes no specific reference to either ending within the actual storyline. However, the fictional publication ''In the Shadow of Shadow Moses'' featured in the game as a bonus, alludes to Meryl's survival. Also, Meryl is shown to be part of the cast of [[Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots]], which continues after Metal Gear Solid 2.

===Middle-earth===
{{seemain|Middle-earth canon}}
Defining the [[Middle-earth]] canon is difficult, because many key writings were not published by [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] before his death. A considerable number of [[Tolkien fan]]s do not believe that a canon can be defined at all, preferring to observe the evolution of Tolkien's stories in the many versions and drafts published posthumously in the [[The History of Middle-earth|History of Middle-earth]] series. Most, however, agree that ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' are canon, and also include a substantial amount of material published in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', and other posthumous books, as well as information from Tolkien's [[The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien|letters]]. Works outside of canon include art books (except for the collections of Tolkien's own art) and video games; the ''Lord of the Rings'' movies by [[Ralph Bakshi]] and [[Peter Jackson]] are generally considered non-canonical as well.

===Mortal Kombat===
The ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' series has an especially interesting (and confusing) plot canon. Every game in the series features a different ending for each character. Often, the endings in a single game will contradict each other. Fans tend to speculate about which endings are canon from whatever game has most recently been released, however the "true" endings are never officially known until the plot of the next game is revealed. Because not every ending from a game can be true, the majority of the endings from each game are non-canon. Additionally, portions of some endings may be considered canon while the rest of the ending is ignored.

An interesting trend associated with this line of canon plot is that nearly every game assumes the "good guys" (typically, the Earthrealm kombatants) prevailed over the "bad guys." In fact, this trend has only recently been broken, with the release of 2004's ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'', which assumes that Earthrealm's warriors lost and died at the hands of the [[Deadly Alliance]].

===The Prisoner===
The official canon of the 1960s TV series ''[[The Prisoner]]'', at present, consists of only the 17 broadcast episodes. The alternate versions of the episodes "Arrival" and "Chimes of Big Ben" which include additional scenes (including one sequence in "Chimes" that reveals The Prisoner is capable of determining the location of [[The Village]], rendering one ongoing subplot of the series moot) is not considered canon. The argument over whether [[Number 6]] is [[John Drake]] has led to debate over whether the ''[[Danger Man]]'' TV series should be considered part of ''The Prisoner'' canon; officially, it is not. Three original novels based on the series written during the 1960s (two of which identify No. 6 as John Drake) are not considered canon; the canon status of a new series of novels launched in 2005 is unclear.

===Resident Evil===
In the ''[[Resident Evil]]'' series, the main "numbered" games (which includes ''[[Resident Evil Code: Veronica]]'') are all considered canonical by [[Capcom]]. However, Capcom has yet to classify the canonical status for many of the side-games, namely the ''Gun Survivor'' series and ''Resident Evil Outbreak'' games. Some fans consider them to be canonical due to several factors, such as an allusion to the Sheena Island incident (the events of ''[[Resident Evil: Survivor]]'') in the beginning of ''[[Resident Evil 0]]''. The only game that is generally seen as uncanonical is ''[[Resident Evil Gaiden]]'', due to an unexplored cliffhanger ending. The films and novelizations (as well as other sanctioned adaptations) are not canonical due to several discrenpancies between them and the games.

There has also been debate as to how the events of the earlier games actually transpired due to multiple endings and alternate scenarios of the same storyline. This is best exemplified with the original ''[[Resident Evil (video game)|Resident Evil]]''. In the games that followed, it is stated that [[S.T.A.R.S.]] members [[Chris Redfield]] and [[Jill Valentine]] survived the mansion incident (the events of the original game) along with their respective supporting characters, [[Rebecca Chambers]] and [[Barry Burton]]. However, this is impossible to do in the game itself, due to the fact that the best possible ending for each character only features three of the four surviving STARS members (Barry and Rebecca are never in the same game together).

===Sherlock Holmes===
The [[Sherlock Holmes]] canon consists of the stories and novels written by [[Arthur Conan Doyle]]. This was decided by [[the Baker Street Irregulars]], a group of Holmes enthusiasts, to distinguish the original stories from the [[pastiche]]s that followed Holmes' retirement, and is probably the first use of the word in this context.

===The Simpsons===
In ''[[The Simpsons]]'', most episodes are considered to be canon, though some may not be able to match others exactly. There is one episode that parodies this: Ned Flanders gives Homer a football ticket and they become friends by the end of the episode. [http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/episodeguide/season5/1f14.shtml]
<blockquote>Lisa: ''Don't worry, Bart. It seems like every week something odd happens to the Simpsons. My advice is to ride it out, make the occasional smart-aleck quip, and by next week we'll be back to where we started from, ready for another wacky adventure.</blockquote>''
<blockquote>Bart: ''Ay, caramba!</blockquote>''
<blockquote>Lisa: ''That's the spirit.</blockquote>''

In the last scene of the episode, it is like none of it ever happened. There is a similar episode involving the past of Principal Skinner which ends in the same fashion, where the Springfield Judge rules that the events of the episode should not be spoken of again.

Some episodes contain references to others, such as mentions of the Simpson family having travelled to all of the continents in the world, save Antarctica. One issue of continuity that is unlikely to be definitively decided is the question of where the Simpsons' home town of Springfield is. Most clues about Springfield's location are contradictory, which is completely intentional. In one episode, Springfield is shown on a map as being in north-west Tennessee, but other episodes contradict this.

Some special episodes, such as the [[Treehouse of Horror]] specials, clip shows, and "[[Behind the Laughter]]," are not considered to be canon.

The original ''Shorts'', which appeared as filler material in ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' and featured what could be considered prototypes of the ''Simpsons'' characters are not considered canonical.

===Sonic the Hedgehog===
The Sonic game plots are often basic, but have become increasingly complex with each subsequent game.
''Sonic the Hedgehog'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', ''Sonic and Knuckles'', ''Sonic Adventure'', ''Sonic Adventure 2'', ''Sonic Heroes'' and ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' are absolute canon games, since they were all directly created by Sonic Team. ''Sonic CD'' is also absolute canon, since it has been referred to in ''Sonic Adventure'' and ''Sonic Heroes''.

*The Advance games are most likely canon, as they have introduced a few characters that have later appeared in absolute canon games (such as Cream the Rabbit). It is debatable whether ''Sonic Battle'' is canon though.

*Some of the [[Game Gear]] games do not appear to fit into the canon.

*Other spinoffs also do not appear to fit into the canon.

*''Knuckles Chaotix'' is most likely canon, as it follows directly from ''Sonic & Knuckles'', according to the Japanese manual.

*''Sonic 3D'' and ''Sonic R'', the ''Travellers' Tales'' games for the Sega Saturn, may or may not be canon.

Whether some characters have been retconned, and which ones, is a source of debate.

Some argue that romantic couples such as [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]/[[Amy Rose]] or [[Knuckles the Echidna]]/[[Rouge the Bat]] are proved by the canon, but others disagree. As none of the characters in the Sonic games have actually gotten together or even kissed, none of the relationship theories can be officially proved or disproved.

===Stargate===
{{seemain|Stargate}}
The ''Stargate'' fictional universe canon consists of:
*An original [[1994]] movie entitled ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'', which was intended to be the first of at least three, but was left to stand alone by its producers as [[Roland Emmerich]] moved on to ''[[Independence Day (film)|Independence Day]]''.
*Subsequent novels by an established author which carried on the story based on Emmerich's notes (not considered canon after the addition of the next bullet).
*A [[spin-off]] TV series by the same producers called ''[[Stargate SG-1]]'' which carried on one year after the story of the film ''Stargate'', and followed different developments from those described in the novels. This is generally considered canon over the books.
*A further spin-off called ''[[Stargate Atlantis]]'' which develops a strand of the plot of ''Stargate SG-1''. There was also an animated series named ''[[Stargate Infinity]]'' which was acknowledged by its producers to strictly not be canon.
*A computer game called ''[[Stargate SG-1 (video game)|Stargate: The Alliance]]'' which is canon with the plot of ''[[Stargate SG-1]]''.
Some fans consider ''Stargate SG-1'' to be incomptible with the movie due to a few minor changes in small details of the film's plot when carried into the television series. However, most fans and even the producers pass over these details as insignificant.

===Star Trek===
{{seemain|Star Trek canon}}

The [[Star Trek]] canon consists of the television series [[Star Trek: The Original Series|''Star Trek'' (the original series)]], ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'', and the ten Star Trek movies. The non-canonical status of the various [[novel]]s, [[comic book]]s, and ''[[Star Trek: The Animated Series]]'' was decided by [[Gene Roddenberry]], who also claimed that some elements from the films ''[[Star Trek V: The Final Frontier]]'' and ''[[Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country]]'' were "slightly apocryphal".

The canonicity of the various reference books such as ''[[The Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' and various companions accompanying the series is still debated. Many consider such reference works to be canon, while others do not; there is currently no clear answer solving this problem. A similar problem exists with [[trading card]]s cataloging information from the series.

===Star Wars===
{{seemain|Star Wars canon}}

The ''[[Star Wars]]'' canon is a complex issue, and Lucas Licensing has devised a four-level system called the "[[Holocron]] continuity database" to keep track of the ''Star Wars'' canon. The purpose of this database is to chronicle all ''Star Wars'' stories, and settle any disputes that may arise within the various productions. The basic rule, however, is that the ''Star Wars'' canon comprises the six ''Star Wars'' films, along with all officially licensed ''Star Wars'' stories not contradicting the films.

===South Park===
Another notable animation series in this context is ''[[South Park]]''. It follows the misbehavings of a group of four friends. At the end of most early episodes, the character of [[Kenny McCormick|Kenny]] dies, but at the start of each new episode, he's found to be alive again. Whilst this was originally explained by his fading into existence at the beginning of "Cartman's Mom Is Still A Dirty Slut", it was later revealed that Kenny's mother gives birth to a new 'Kenny' immediately after the passing of the old one. The 'Kenny' born when this explanation was made was the 52nd. However that is not considered to be canon.

===Warhammer 40,000===
The canon of [[Games Workshop]]'s [[Warhammer 40,000]] universe is officially held to be extended to all works produced under an official Games Workshop licence: this means that all works produced by Games Workshop since [[Rogue Trader (Warhammer 40,000)|Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]] are canonical until superceded, and no works produced without official blessing are considered canon at all (although increasingly in the last ten years since the Internet enabled fans to widely disseminate their own works such material has later been subsumed into official Games Workshop publications). However, the very far-reaching changes in game background and tone over the first three revisions of the core rulebook and background sourcebooks have invalidated very large parts of a history once considered canon (although the original Rogue Trader deliberately avoided establishing too many solid universal details for the sake of ensuring the game could be expanded by gamesmasters according to the prevailing logic in the science fiction gaming community at the late [[Eighties]]).

Almost all current consumers of Games Workshop material hold material to be canon only until superceded by more recent publications. Isolated communities of gamers who reject recent changes in game history and rules by the company exist, connected either locally by gaming groups or globally via Internet message boards ([http://www.easternfringe.com/]); these groups commonly either reject the widespread changes made to the core rules and background in the third revision of the rulebook and supporting material or reject all material which contradicts the original [[1987]] Rogue Trader publication (as almost all work released after the original book introduced specific [[timeline]] items which sought to direct the [[Gamesmaster]] in ways which seemingly contradicted the extremely open-ended [[Science fantasy|Science Fantasy]] background of the original book).

==Other factors==
The fact the majority of fans of a fictional setting view certain things as non-canonical, or even an official statement to that effect from its creators, does not oblige everyone to agree. In addition, a story can belong to two overlapping canons. The most obvious example of this is [[Philip José Farmer]]'s [[Wold Newton family]]. Some (but not all) of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, [[Tarzan]], [[Doc Savage]] etc. are canonical in the Wold Newton setting. This does not mean that the events of Farmer's books are canonical from a Sherlockian perspective. Similarly, fans of [[Laurie R. King]]'s novels of [[Sherlock Holmes]] and [[Mary Russell]] consider all the Holmes stories to be canonical in King's setting.

The difference can be even less clear cut than this. Current ''Star Trek'' novels maintain a tight continuity with each other, and avoid contradicting the television series. When a ''Lost Era'' novel set between the movies and ''The Next Generation'' features a younger version of a character introduced in a ''Deep Space Nine'' novel, it's obvious there's some sort of "canonical" novel-setting, even if the TV series is not obliged to conform to it. This is where [[fanon]] and canon often collide, especially when a TV series, movie or other officially canonical source contradicts it. An example is the Trek novel ''[[Starfleet Year One]]'' which appeared in print before the TV series ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' was announced, but was completely invalidated by the series; there are some Trek fans who prefer the ''Starfleet Year One'' version of events as canon, rejecting the TV series. Generally, though, in the case of televised fiction, only facts which appear in the as-originally-aired version of a program are considered canonical (including scenes cut from re-runs, but not including such things as deleted scenes and scenes from unaired pilots and other such material that 'leaks out' over the internet).

In some fictional universes, interviews and other communications from authors are also considered canon - like [[The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien|the letters of J. R. R. Tolkien]] with relation to [[Middle Earth]]; also items such as interviews, internet chat sessions, and Web sites (e.g., the Web site of [[J. K. Rowling]] in relation to [[Harry Potter]]). This usually only happens in cases where all works in the universe have the same author.

==See also==
*[[Fanon (fiction)|Fanon]]
*[[Fanwank]]
*[[Retcon]]
*[[Dragon Ball canon]]
*[[Krypto-revisionism]]

[[Category:Canons|*]]
[[Category:Continuity (fiction)]]

Kanon (Fiktion)

2006-01-10T20:34:02Z

WhyBeNormal: /* See also */

In the context of fiction, the '''canon''' of a [[fictional universe]] comprises those novels, stories, films, etc. that are considered to be genuine (or "official"), and those events, characters, settings, etc. that are considered to have inarguable existence within the fictional universe. Usually items that are considered canon come from the original source of the fictional universe while '''non-canon''' material comes from adaptations or unofficial items. Generally, [[Expanded Universe]]s are not considered canon, though there are exceptions which are considered '''near-canon'''. By analogy with the idea of a canon of [[Scripture]], things which are not canon are considered [[apocrypha|"apocryphal"]]. See [[Biblical canon]].

[[Fan-fiction]] is never considered canon. Sometimes, however, events or characterizations portrayed in fan-fiction can become so influential that they are respected in fiction written by many different authors, and may be mistaken for canonical facts by fans. This is referred to as "[[fanon (fiction)|fanon]]". The use of fan-fiction to fill gaps or continuity errors in canon is derisively called "fanwanking," or "fanwank". (The terms fanon and fanwank can apply to officially licensed works as well.)

There is no unanimous opinion on whether having a definitive canon in a fictional setting is useful, desirable or even possible. Canonicity of fiction is a distinctly modern idea, since earlier ages, before the current ideas of [[intellectual property]] came about, did not distinguish between "official" and "unofficial" sources of stories.

A great deal of the interest and controversy over canonicity comes from the Star Wars franchise, because of the unique-for-its-time goal of derivative works such as Star Wars books to be completely in continuity with each other and with the Star Wars movies.

==Examples of fictional canons==
===[[Babylon 5]]===
The canon consists of the television series ''[[Babylon 5]]'' and its later TV movies, the TV series ''[[Crusade (TV series)|Crusade]]'', novels published by [[Random House|Dell]] and [[Ballantine Books|Del Rey/Ballantine]], various short stories, and the ''Babylon 5'' comic book published by [[DC Comics]]. This was decided by [[J. Michael Straczynski]], who maintained a tight control on the expanded universe to ensure that nearly '''everything''' was canonical; going so far as to pen elaborate story-outlines hundreds of pages long for the novels' authors based upon his personal historical notes for the B5 universe, and in general seeking to safeguard the spinoff works' reputations for being every bit as legitimate and sophisticated as the television series.

The ''Babylon 5'' novels have a number of major elements that are considered canon by series creator Straczynski. However, the later ones published by Del Rey are generally regarded as being '''more''' canonical than some of the early Dell books, which were published with less storyline oversight by Straczynski than he would later exercise.

The seventh and ninth Dell novels — ''The Shadow Within'' by Jeanne Cavelos and ''To Dream in the City of Sorrows'' by Kathryn M. Drennan — are the only two books from this run which are considered to be canonical in their entirety, whereas all of the Del Rey novels are fully endorsed by the series' creator, along with the DC comic books and short fiction.

===[[Beauty and the Beast (series)|Beauty and the Beast]]===
Most fans of the [[CBS]] television series consider all episodes of the first season, and at least all Season 2 episodes through "The Hollow Men," to be canonical. Opinions diverge at this point, as the writing of the series took a much darker turn, in an attempt to increase the series' [[Nielsen ratings]] beyond its narrow fan niche; and the final three Season 2 episodes, focusing on Vincent's madness, do not appeal to many fans, who focus on the romantic or literary aspects of the characters.

The sharpest divergence of opinion comes when Season 3 is considered. Fan groups divide into two camps, between those who accept or reject the death of [[Beauty and the Beast (series)#Catherine Chandler|Catherine Chandler]] and the introduction of [[Beauty and the Beast (series)#Diana Bennett|Diana Bennett]]. It has been noted by some that those who accept Season 3 as canonical usually refer to the series as ''B&B'', while the opposite side uses ''BATB''. The opinion divided the fan community enough that an audience roundtable discussion on "Healing the Rift in Fandom" was organized at the 1991 ''South of Oz'' fan convention in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]].

===DC Universe===
====DC Universe (comics)====
Most, but not all, [[comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]] take place in a shared world known as the [[DC Universe]]. The canon of this world comprises all the [[post-Crisis]] comics not stated to be set in an [[alternate universe]], except those specifically contradicted by later stories following ''[[Zero Hour (comics)|Zero Hour]]'' (most notably, ''[[Batman: Year Two]]'', ''[[Batman: Son of the Demon]]'' and the ''[[Action Comics]] Weekly'' strip featuring [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]]). The events may not have occurred exactly as shown, however, owing to the [[floating timeline]].

Appearances of the DC Comics characters in other media are not considered canon, however, the appearance of a Marvel Comics character, Jigsaw, during a Marvel/DC comics publishing [[Intercompany crossover|crossover]], is apparently considered a piece of canon for the adventures of Jean-Paul Valley, aka [[Azrael]], who at one point took up the role of The [[Batman]]. Jigsaw was an enemy of Frank Castle, a Marvel Comics character called The [[Punisher]].

Some discrepancies in the DC Universe's canon may be accounted for by the concept of [[Hypertime (comics)|Hypertime]]. Others may be addressed in an anticipated continuity revision stemming from the current [[fictional crossover|crossover]] series ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''.

====DC Animated Universe====
Many of the DC [[animated television series]] of the [[1990s]] and [[2000s]] comprise their own canon, distinct from that of the comic books that spawned them (as well as previous animated series based on the same properties). This "[[DC Animated Universe]]" includes ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''; ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]''; ''[[Batman Beyond]]''; ''[[Static Shock]]''; ''[[Justice League (animated series)]]''; and ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', as well as the animated movies ''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]''; ''[[World's Finest]]''; ''[[Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero]]''; ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]]''; and ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]''.

The comic books based on the animated series are not considered part of the animated canon.

The ''[[Teen Titans (animated series)|Teen Titans]]'' animated series, although based on DC comics, is its own continuity with no real ties to the main "DCAU".

===Doctor Who===
There has never been an "official" statement on what is canonical ''[[Doctor Who]]''. ''Doctor Who'' has never had a single author or authority and it is apparent that the [[BBC]], which owns the series, has generally not cared about the matter. The many creators of ''Doctor Who'' have always treated the concept of continuity loosely. Fans run a spectrum between those who consider only the television series canonical and those who consider all ''Doctor Who'' canonical. Within that spectrum many view the licensed [[novels]] and [[radio drama|audio plays]] as at least near-canonical, and some of those would also include the ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' comic strips. It is generally assumed that all televised ''Doctor Who'' episodes from 1963 to 1989, the 1981 spin-off ''[[K-9 and Company]]'', the [[Doctor Who (1996)|1996 telemovie]] and the new series, which started in 2005, are canonical, including a 1965 episode in which the [[First Doctor]] breaks the [[fourth wall]] to wish viewers a Merry [[Christmas]] ("The Feast of Steven", episode 7 of ''[[The Daleks' Master Plan]]'').

Generally, the canonical status of all [[Doctor Who spin-offs|Doctor Who spin-off]] media outside of what has been presented on screen (bar obvious spoofs) is debatable, including the [[BBC radio]] dramas and [[webcast]]s based upon the show. The two theatrical films based upon the series in the 1960s, starring [[Peter Cushing]], are not generally considered canonical, nor is the considerable background information contained in the [[role-playing game]] produced by FASA in the [[1980s]].

Many of the short stories in the BBC anthology ''Short Trips and Side Steps'' have settings generally considered non-canonical; for instance, one story features the [[Cushing Doctor]], while another is set between the [[Children in Need]] ''[[EastEnders]]'' crossover ''[[Dimensions in Time]]'' and the Doctor's appearance in the schools' programme ''[[Search Out Science]]''.

The comic strips (''Ground Zero'', DWM #238-242), [[Eighth Doctor Adventures]] (''Sometime Never...'' by [[Justin Richards]]) and the [[Big Finish Productions]] audio plays (''[[Zagreus (Doctor Who audio)|Zagreus]]'') have all attempted to provide an in-continuity explanation for discrepancies by suggesting that their respective continuities take place in separate [[parallel universe]]s.

A new series of novels based upon the current ''Doctor Who'' series is under way. There have been subtle references to a few of the literary storylines in televised episodes, but thus far not enough to allow determination as to whether these books are considered canon.

===Firefly/Serenity===
The canon of ''[[Firefly (television series)|Firefly]]'' and its cinematic follow-up ''[[Serenity (film)|Serenity]]'' is the fourteen episodes of ''Firefly'', the film ''Serenity'', and the three-issue [[Dark Horse Comics]] series, also titled ''[[Serenity (comic)|Serenity]]'', that bridges the television series and the film.

===Harry Potter===
While there is no official statement on what is considered to be [[Harry Potter]] canon, the majority of fans generally accept it to be the works which come straight from [[J. K. Rowling]] herself. These include the six novels and the two "textbooks", ''Quidditch through the Ages'' and ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them''. Many fans will also consider any fact about the series that she has stated on her site, [http://www.jkrowling.com], to be canon. Although Rowling is consulted at the writing stage, the Warner Bros. movie adaptations are generally not considered to be canon, and often contain fundamental contradictions with Rowling's works. [[The Harry Potter Lexicon|The HP Lexicon]], a respected Harry Potter encyclopedia on the internet, proposes the following set of canon rules: [http://www.hp-lexicon.org/help/hp-faq.html#canon]

===Highlander===
{{seemain|Highlander (film)#Series/Film separation}}

Many fans of [[Highlander (film)|Highlander]] consider only the first film to be canon (reciting "there can be only one"). Others distinguish the first three films as belonging to one continuity (the "Connor Universe") and the [[Highlander: The Series|television series]] and ''Highlander: Endgame'' as belonging to another (the "Duncan Universe").

===The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy===
There were so many changes by [[Douglas Adams]] himself that the original story remains unknown.
The publications were continuously improved; characters, locations, events introduced, removed, modified. Even the [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (book)|title's spelling]] may differ among editions. Finally, he declared in a preface to his 5-book "trilogy" to be the canon, but translations of apparently the same edition fail to match the number of chapters. The [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (film)|movie]] also tells us a significantly modified story.

However, the [[main characters]] ([[Arthur Dent]], [[Ford Prefect]], [[Trillian (character)|Trillian]], [[Zaphod Beeblebrox|Zaphod]] and [[Marvin the Paranoid Android|Marvin]]) are static personalities; as well as other instances like [[Vogons]], [[Towel]], [[42 (number)|42]], the destruction of Earth and, of course, [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|The Guide]] itself are unchangable.

The author's goal to communicate the canon idea behind the flow of events makes the order or presence of actions superfluous.

===[[James Bond]]===
Fans of [[Ian Fleming]]'s superspy are divided over what is considered official canon. There is little argument that all of Fleming's original short stories and novels are canon, and some include the [[Kingsley Amis]] Bond novel, ''[[Colonel Sun]]'' in this canon as well. The status of the [[John Gardner (thriller writer)|John Gardner]] and [[Raymond Benson]] Bond novels in canon is less certain, since both book series have been updated and feature elements and characters created for the movie series. Benson's novels are particularly controversial as they appear to be based upon the Bond movie universe, rather than the literary Bond. The various Bond film novelizations are generally considered [[apocryphal]], as is a 1970s "authorized biography" of Bond by [[John Pearson (author)|John Pearson]].

A new series of novels featuring a [[Young Bond|teenaged Bond]] written by [[Charlie Higson]] was released in the beginning of [[2005]]. It remains to be seen if this series will be considered official canon. The TV series ''[[James Bond Jr.]]'', while officially licensed, is not considered canonical.

The Bond movies, meanwhile, appear to exist somewhat outside of any canon. Although there is some between-films continuity (e.g. references to the death of Bond's wife), the ever-changing cast has rendered any sort of canon determination virtually impossible.

===Macross===
The [[Macross]] canon consists of two animated TV series (''[[The Super Dimension Fortress Macross]]'' and its distant sequel, ''[[Macross Seven]]''), a movie which is treated as a historical drama produced in the "Macross universe" (''[[Macross: Ai Oboete Imasu Ka?|Macross: Ai Oboete Imasu Ka?/Macross: Do You Remember Love?]]'') and two Original Animation Videos (''[[Macross Plus]]'', a sequel and ''[[Macross Zero]]'', a prequel). Not included is ''[[Macross II: Lovers Again]]'', a sequel hurriedly produced by [[Big West]] for the 10th Anniversary of Macross in [[1992]].

===Marvel Universe===
Most, but not all, comic books published by [[Marvel Comics]] are set in a shared world known as the [[Marvel Universe]]. The canon for this world comprises all the comics not stated to be set in an [[alternate universe]], except those specifically contradicted by later stories. The events may not have occurred exactly as shown, however, owing to the [[floating timeline]].

Appearances of the Marvel Comics characters in other media are not considered canon.

===Mega Man===
The ''[[Mega Man]]'' or ''Rockman'' canon is a source of much debate, due to confusing information that may had resulted from plotholes in the games.

According to official sources from [[Capcom]] (such as the ''Rockman Perfect Memories'' book), the series' continuity starts with the original "[[Mega Man Classic|Classic]]" series and proceeds to (in order) ''[[Mega Man X]]'', ''[[Mega Man Zero]]'' and ''[[Mega Man Legends]]''. The ''[[Mega Man Battle Network]]'' is set in an alternative universe from the other series and is not part of the franchise's main canon.

''[[Mega Man & Bass]]'', ''Mega Man: Power Battle'' and ''Mega Man: Power Fighters'' are generally accepted as canonical as well. However, the canonical status of some of the other spinoffs, particularly [[Game Boy]] versions of ''Mega Man I'' through ''V''. has not been officially established. The ''Rockman & Forte'' game for [[Wonderswan]] is non-canonical, due to the fact that it was only a licensed product made by Bandai and not developed internally by Capcom.

===Metal Gear===
The ''[[Metal Gear]]'' canon is comprised for the first two games in the series that were originally released for the [[MSX2]] and the later sequels released under the ''[[Metal Gear Solid]]'' title. ''[[Metal Gear: Ghost Babel]]'' (which contained several discrenpancies between it and the main games) and the ''[[Metal Gear Acid]]'' series are considered side-stories set outside the main canon. ''[[Snake's Revenge]]'', an early ''Metal Gear'' sequel released only for the western market, is the only game not officially recognized by [[Hideo Kojima#Kojima Productions|Kojima Productions]]. ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance]]'', an expanded version of ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty]]'', contains a series of side-stories titled "Snake Tales" (set in enviroments recycled from the main game), which are considered uncanonical due to various contradicting details and overall recycled nature of them.

The original ''[[Metal Gear Solid]]'' features two different endings, depending on the player's actions during the "torture event". In the first ending, [[Meryl Silverburgh]] survives the events of the game after Snake successfully resist [[Revolver Ocelot]]'s torture; however, if the player submits to the torture event, then an alternate ending is shown where Snake finds Meryl dead. The subsequent game (''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty]]'') makes no specific reference to either ending within the actual storyline. However, the fictional publication ''In the Shadow of Shadow Moses'' featured in the game as a bonus, alludes to Meryl's survival. Also, Meryl is shown to be part of the cast of [[Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots]], which continues after Metal Gear Solid 2.

===Middle-earth===
{{seemain|Middle-earth canon}}
Defining the [[Middle-earth]] canon is difficult, because many key writings were not published by [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] before his death. A considerable number of [[Tolkien fan]]s do not believe that a canon can be defined at all, preferring to observe the evolution of Tolkien's stories in the many versions and drafts published posthumously in the [[The History of Middle-earth|History of Middle-earth]] series. Most, however, agree that ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' are canon, and also include a substantial amount of material published in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', and other posthumous books, as well as information from Tolkien's [[The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien|letters]]. Works outside of canon include art books (except for the collections of Tolkien's own art) and video games; the ''Lord of the Rings'' movies by [[Ralph Bakshi]] and [[Peter Jackson]] are generally considered non-canonical as well.

===Mortal Kombat===
The ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' series has an especially interesting (and confusing) plot canon. Every game in the series features a different ending for each character. Often, the endings in a single game will contradict each other. Fans tend to speculate about which endings are canon from whatever game has most recently been released, however the "true" endings are never officially known until the plot of the next game is revealed. Because not every ending from a game can be true, the majority of the endings from each game are non-canon. Additionally, portions of some endings may be considered canon while the rest of the ending is ignored.

An interesting trend associated with this line of canon plot is that nearly every game assumes the "good guys" (typically, the Earthrealm kombatants) prevailed over the "bad guys." In fact, this trend has only recently been broken, with the release of 2004's ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'', which assumes that Earthrealm's warriors lost and died at the hands of the [[Deadly Alliance]].

===The Prisoner===
The official canon of the 1960s TV series ''[[The Prisoner]]'', at present, consists of only the 17 broadcast episodes. The alternate versions of the episodes "Arrival" and "Chimes of Big Ben" which include additional scenes (including one sequence in "Chimes" that reveals The Prisoner is capable of determining the location of [[The Village]], rendering one ongoing subplot of the series moot) is not considered canon. The argument over whether [[Number 6]] is [[John Drake]] has led to debate over whether the ''[[Danger Man]]'' TV series should be considered part of ''The Prisoner'' canon; officially, it is not. Three original novels based on the series written during the 1960s (two of which identify No. 6 as John Drake) are not considered canon; the canon status of a new series of novels launched in 2005 is unclear.

===Resident Evil===
In the ''[[Resident Evil]]'' series, the main "numbered" games (which includes ''[[Resident Evil Code: Veronica]]'') are all considered canonical by [[Capcom]]. However, Capcom has yet to classify the canonical status for many of the side-games, namely the ''Gun Survivor'' series and ''Resident Evil Outbreak'' games. Some fans consider them to be canonical due to several factors, such as an allusion to the Sheena Island incident (the events of ''[[Resident Evil: Survivor]]'') in the beginning of ''[[Resident Evil 0]]''. The only game that is generally seen as uncanonical is ''[[Resident Evil Gaiden]]'', due to an unexplored cliffhanger ending. The films and novelizations (as well as other sanctioned adaptations) are not canonical due to several discrenpancies between them and the games.

There has also been debate as to how the events of the earlier games actually transpired due to multiple endings and alternate scenarios of the same storyline. This is best exemplified with the original ''[[Resident Evil (video game)|Resident Evil]]''. In the games that followed, it is stated that [[S.T.A.R.S.]] members [[Chris Redfield]] and [[Jill Valentine]] survived the mansion incident (the events of the original game) along with their respective supporting characters, [[Rebecca Chambers]] and [[Barry Burton]]. However, this is impossible to do in the game itself, due to the fact that the best possible ending for each character only features three of the four surviving STARS members (Barry and Rebecca are never in the same game together).

===Sherlock Holmes===
The [[Sherlock Holmes]] canon consists of the stories and novels written by [[Arthur Conan Doyle]]. This was decided by [[the Baker Street Irregulars]], a group of Holmes enthusiasts, to distinguish the original stories from the [[pastiche]]s that followed Holmes' retirement, and is probably the first use of the word in this context.

===The Simpsons===
In ''[[The Simpsons]]'', most episodes are considered to be canon, though some may not be able to match others exactly. There is one episode that parodies this: Ned Flanders gives Homer a football ticket and they become friends by the end of the episode. [http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/episodeguide/season5/1f14.shtml]
<blockquote>Lisa: ''Don't worry, Bart. It seems like every week something odd happens to the Simpsons. My advice is to ride it out, make the occasional smart-aleck quip, and by next week we'll be back to where we started from, ready for another wacky adventure.</blockquote>''
<blockquote>Bart: ''Ay, caramba!</blockquote>''
<blockquote>Lisa: ''That's the spirit.</blockquote>''

In the last scene of the episode, it is like none of it ever happened. There is a similar episode involving the past of Principal Skinner which ends in the same fashion, where the Springfield Judge rules that the events of the episode should not be spoken of again.

Some episodes contain references to others, such as mentions of the Simpson family having travelled to all of the continents in the world, save Antarctica. One issue of continuity that is unlikely to be definitively decided is the question of where the Simpsons' home town of Springfield is. Most clues about Springfield's location are contradictory, which is completely intentional. In one episode, Springfield is shown on a map as being in north-west Tennessee, but other episodes contradict this.

Some special episodes, such as the [[Treehouse of Horror]] specials, clip shows, and "[[Behind the Laughter]]," are not considered to be canon.

The original ''Shorts'', which appeared as filler material in ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' and featured what could be considered prototypes of the ''Simpsons'' characters are not considered canonical.

===Sonic the Hedgehog===
The Sonic game plots are often basic, but have become increasingly complex with each subsequent game.
''Sonic the Hedgehog'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', ''Sonic and Knuckles'', ''Sonic Adventure'', ''Sonic Adventure 2'', ''Sonic Heroes'' and ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' are absolute canon games, since they were all directly created by Sonic Team. ''Sonic CD'' is also absolute canon, since it has been referred to in ''Sonic Adventure'' and ''Sonic Heroes''.

*The Advance games are most likely canon, as they have introduced a few characters that have later appeared in absolute canon games (such as Cream the Rabbit). It is debatable whether ''Sonic Battle'' is canon though.

*Some of the [[Game Gear]] games do not appear to fit into the canon.

*Other spinoffs also do not appear to fit into the canon.

*''Knuckles Chaotix'' is most likely canon, as it follows directly from ''Sonic & Knuckles'', according to the Japanese manual.

*''Sonic 3D'' and ''Sonic R'', the ''Travellers' Tales'' games for the Sega Saturn, may or may not be canon.

Whether some characters have been retconned, and which ones, is a source of debate.

Some argue that romantic couples such as [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]/[[Amy Rose]] or [[Knuckles the Echidna]]/[[Rouge the Bat]] are proved by the canon, but others disagree. As none of the characters in the Sonic games have actually gotten together or even kissed, none of the relationship theories can be officially proved or disproved.

===Stargate===
{{seemain|Stargate}}
The ''Stargate'' fictional universe canon consists of:
*An original [[1994]] movie entitled ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'', which was intended to be the first of at least three, but was left to stand alone by its producers as [[Roland Emmerich]] moved on to ''[[Independence Day (film)|Independence Day]]''.
*Subsequent novels by an established author which carried on the story based on Emmerich's notes (not considered canon after the addition of the next bullet).
*A [[spin-off]] TV series by the same producers called ''[[Stargate SG-1]]'' which carried on one year after the story of the film ''Stargate'', and followed different developments from those described in the novels. This is generally considered canon over the books.
*A further spin-off called ''[[Stargate Atlantis]]'' which develops a strand of the plot of ''Stargate SG-1''. There was also an animated series named ''[[Stargate Infinity]]'' which was acknowledged by its producers to strictly not be canon.
*A computer game called ''[[Stargate SG-1 (video game)|Stargate: The Alliance]]'' which is canon with the plot of ''[[Stargate SG-1]]''.
Some fans consider ''Stargate SG-1'' to be incomptible with the movie due to a few minor changes in small details of the film's plot when carried into the television series. However, most fans and even the producers pass over these details as insignificant.

===Star Trek===
{{seemain|Star Trek canon}}

The [[Star Trek]] canon consists of the television series [[Star Trek: The Original Series|''Star Trek'' (the original series)]], ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'', and the ten Star Trek movies. The non-canonical status of the various [[novel]]s, [[comic book]]s, and ''[[Star Trek: The Animated Series]]'' was decided by [[Gene Roddenberry]], who also claimed that some elements from the films ''[[Star Trek V: The Final Frontier]]'' and ''[[Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country]]'' were "slightly apocryphal".

The canonicity of the various reference books such as ''[[The Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' and various companions accompanying the series is still debated. Many consider such reference works to be canon, while others do not; there is currently no clear answer solving this problem. A similar problem exists with [[trading card]]s cataloging information from the series.

===Star Wars===
{{seemain|Star Wars canon}}

The ''[[Star Wars]]'' canon is a complex issue, and Lucas Licensing has devised a four-level system called the "[[Holocron]] continuity database" to keep track of the ''Star Wars'' canon. The purpose of this database is to chronicle all ''Star Wars'' stories, and settle any disputes that may arise within the various productions. The basic rule, however, is that the ''Star Wars'' canon comprises the six ''Star Wars'' films, along with all officially licensed ''Star Wars'' stories not contradicting the films.

===South Park===
Another notable animation series in this context is ''[[South Park]]''. It follows the misbehavings of a group of four friends. At the end of most early episodes, the character of [[Kenny McCormick|Kenny]] dies, but at the start of each new episode, he's found to be alive again. Whilst this was originally explained by his fading into existence at the beginning of "Cartman's Mom Is Still A Dirty Slut", it was later revealed that Kenny's mother gives birth to a new 'Kenny' immediately after the passing of the old one. The 'Kenny' born when this explanation was made was the 52nd. However that is not considered to be canon.

===Warhammer 40,000===
The canon of [[Games Workshop]]'s [[Warhammer 40,000]] universe is officially held to be extended to all works produced under an official Games Workshop licence: this means that all works produced by Games Workshop since [[Rogue Trader (Warhammer 40,000)|Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]] are canonical until superceded, and no works produced without official blessing are considered canon at all (although increasingly in the last ten years since the Internet enabled fans to widely disseminate their own works such material has later been subsumed into official Games Workshop publications). However, the very far-reaching changes in game background and tone over the first three revisions of the core rulebook and background sourcebooks have invalidated very large parts of a history once considered canon (although the original Rogue Trader deliberately avoided establishing too many solid universal details for the sake of ensuring the game could be expanded by gamesmasters according to the prevailing logic in the science fiction gaming community at the late [[Eighties]]).

Almost all current consumers of Games Workshop material hold material to be canon only until superceded by more recent publications. Isolated communities of gamers who reject recent changes in game history and rules by the company exist, connected either locally by gaming groups or globally via Internet message boards ([http://www.easternfringe.com/]); these groups commonly either reject the widespread changes made to the core rules and background in the third revision of the rulebook and supporting material or reject all material which contradicts the original [[1987]] Rogue Trader publication (as almost all work released after the original book introduced specific [[timeline]] items which sought to direct the [[Gamesmaster]] in ways which seemingly contradicted the extremely open-ended [[Science fantasy|Science Fantasy]] background of the original book).

==Other factors==
The fact the majority of fans of a fictional setting view certain things as non-canonical, or even an official statement to that effect from its creators, does not oblige everyone to agree. In addition, a story can belong to two overlapping canons. The most obvious example of this is [[Philip José Farmer]]'s [[Wold Newton family]]. Some (but not all) of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, [[Tarzan]], [[Doc Savage]] etc. are canonical in the Wold Newton setting. This does not mean that the events of Farmer's books are canonical from a Sherlockian perspective. Similarly, fans of [[Laurie R. King]]'s novels of [[Sherlock Holmes]] and [[Mary Russell]] consider all the Holmes stories to be canonical in King's setting.

The difference can be even less clear cut than this. Current ''Star Trek'' novels maintain a tight continuity with each other, and avoid contradicting the television series. When a ''Lost Era'' novel set between the movies and ''The Next Generation'' features a younger version of a character introduced in a ''Deep Space Nine'' novel, it's obvious there's some sort of "canonical" novel-setting, even if the TV series is not obliged to conform to it. This is where [[fanon]] and canon often collide, especially when a TV series, movie or other officially canonical source contradicts it. An example is the Trek novel ''[[Starfleet Year One]]'' which appeared in print before the TV series ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' was announced, but was completely invalidated by the series; there are some Trek fans who prefer the ''Starfleet Year One'' version of events as canon, rejecting the TV series. Generally, though, in the case of televised fiction, only facts which appear in the as-originally-aired version of a program are considered canonical (including scenes cut from re-runs, but not including such things as deleted scenes and scenes from unaired pilots and other such material that 'leaks out' over the internet).

In some fictional universes, interviews and other communications from authors are also considered canon - like [[The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien|the letters of J. R. R. Tolkien]] with relation to [[Middle Earth]]; also items such as interviews, internet chat sessions, and Web sites (e.g., the Web site of [[J. K. Rowling]] in relation to [[Harry Potter]]). This usually only happens in cases where all works in the universe have the same author.

==See also==
*[[Fanon]]
*[[Fanwank]]
*[[Retcon]]
*[[Dragon Ball canon]]
*[[Krypto-revisionism]]

[[Category:Canons|*]]
[[Category:Continuity (fiction)]]

Kanon (Fiktion)

2006-01-02T09:14:20Z

WhyBeNormal: /* Harry Potter */

In the context of fiction, the '''canon''' of a [[fictional universe]] comprises those novels, stories, films, etc. that are considered to be genuine (or "official"), and those events, characters, settings, etc. that are considered to have inarguable existence within the fictional universe. Usually items that are considered canon come from the original source of the fictional universe while '''non-canon''' material comes from adaptations or unofficial items. Generally, [[Expanded Universe]]s are not considered canon, though there are exceptions which are considered '''near-canon'''. By analogy with the idea of a canon of [[Scripture]], things which are not canon are considered [[apocrypha|"apocryphal"]]. See [[Biblical canon]].

[[Fan-fiction]] is never considered canon. Sometimes, however, events or characterizations portrayed in fan-fiction can become so influential that they are respected in fiction written by many different authors, and may be mistaken for canonical facts by fans. This is referred to as "[[fanon (fiction)|fanon]]". The use of fan-fiction to fill gaps or continuity errors in canon is derisively called "fanwanking," or "fanwank". (The terms fanon and fanwank can apply to officially licensed works as well.)

There is no unanimous opinion on whether having a definitive canon in a fictional setting is useful, desirable or even possible. Canonicity of fiction is a distinctly modern idea, since earlier ages, before the current ideas of [[intellectual property]] came about, did not distinguish between "official" and "unofficial" sources of stories.

A great deal of the interest and controversy over canonicity comes from the Star Wars franchise, because of the unique-for-its-time goal of derivative works such as Star Wars books to be completely in continuity with each other and with the Star Wars movies.

==Examples of fictional canons==

===[[Babylon 5]]===
The canon consists of the television series ''[[Babylon 5]]'' and its later TV movies, the TV series ''[[Crusade (TV series)|Crusade]]'', novels published by [[Random House|Dell]] and [[Ballantine Books|Del Rey/Ballantine]], various short stories, and the ''Babylon 5'' comic book published by [[DC Comics]]. This was decided by [[J. Michael Straczynski]], who maintained a tight control on the expanded universe to ensure that nearly '''everything''' was canonical; going so far as to pen elaborate story-outlines hundreds of pages long for the novels' authors based upon his personal historical notes for the B5 universe, and in general seeking to safeguard the spinoff works' reputations for being every bit as legitimate and sophisticated as the television series.

The ''Babylon 5'' novels have a number of major elements that are considered canon by series creator Straczynski. However, the later ones published by Del Rey are generally regarded as being '''more''' canonical than some of the early Dell books, which were published with less storyline oversight by Straczynski than he would later exercise.

The seventh and ninth Dell novels — ''The Shadow Within'' by Jeanne Cavelos and ''To Dream in the City of Sorrows'' by Kathryn M. Drennan — are the only two books from this run which are considered to be canonical in their entirety, whereas all of the Del Rey novels are fully endorsed by the series' creator, along with the DC comic books and short fiction.

===[[Beauty and the Beast (series)|Beauty and the Beast]]===
Most fans of the [[CBS]] television series consider all episodes of the first season, and at least all Season 2 episodes through "The Hollow Men," to be canonical. Opinions diverge at this point, as the writing of the series took a much darker turn, in an attempt to increase the series' [[Nielsen ratings]] beyond its narrow fan niche; and the final three Season 2 episodes, focusing on Vincent's madness, do not appeal to many fans, who focus on the romantic or literary aspects of the characters.

The sharpest divergence of opinion comes when Season 3 is considered. Fan groups divide into two camps, between those who accept or reject the death of [[Beauty and the Beast (series)#Catherine Chandler|Catherine Chandler]] and the introduction of [[Beauty and the Beast (series)#Diana Bennett|Diana Bennett]]. It has been noted by some that those who accept Season 3 as canonical usually refer to the series as ''B&B'', while the opposite side uses ''BATB''. The opinion divided the fan community enough that an audience roundtable discussion on "Healing the Rift in Fandom" was organized at the 1991 ''South of Oz'' fan convention in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]].

===DC Universe===
====DC Universe (comics)====
Most, but not all, [[comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]] take place in a shared world known as the [[DC Universe]]. The canon of this world comprises all the [[post-Crisis]] comics not stated to be set in an [[alternate universe]], except those specifically contradicted by later stories following ''[[Zero Hour (comics)|Zero Hour]]'' (most notably, ''[[Batman: Year Two]]'', ''[[Batman: Son of the Demon]]'' and the ''[[Action Comics]] Weekly'' strip featuring [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]]). The events may not have occurred exactly as shown, however, owing to the [[floating timeline]].

Appearances of the DC Comics characters in other media are not considered canon, however, the appearance of a Marvel Comics character, Jigsaw, during a Marvel/DC comics publishing [[Intercompany crossover|crossover]], is apparently considered a piece of canon for the adventures of Jean-Paul Valley, aka [[Azrael]], who at one point took up the role of The [[Batman]]. Jigsaw was an enemy of Frank Castle, a Marvel Comics character called The [[Punisher]].

Some discrepancies in the DC Universe's canon may be accounted for by the concept of [[Hypertime (comics)|Hypertime]]. Others may be addressed in an anticipated continuity revision stemming from the current [[fictional crossover|crossover]] series ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''.

====DC Animated Universe====
Many of the DC [[animated television series]] of the [[1990s]] and [[2000s]] comprise their own canon, distinct from that of the comic books that spawned them (as well as previous animated series based on the same properties). This "[[DC Animated Universe]]" includes ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''; ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]''; ''[[Batman Beyond]]''; ''[[Static Shock]]''; ''[[Justice League (animated series)]]''; and ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', as well as the animated movies ''[[Batman: Mask of the Phantasm]]''; ''[[World's Finest]]''; ''[[Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero]]''; ''[[Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker]]''; and ''[[Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman]]''.

The comic books based on the animated series are not considered part of the animated canon.

The ''[[Teen Titans (animated series)|Teen Titans]]'' animated series, although based on DC comics, is its own continuity with no real ties to the main "DCAU".

===Doctor Who===
There has never been an "official" statement on what is canonical ''[[Doctor Who]]''. ''Doctor Who'' has never had a single author or authority and it is apparent that the [[BBC]], which owns the series, has generally not cared about the matter. The many creators of ''Doctor Who'' have always treated the concept of continuity loosely. Fans run a spectrum between those who consider only the television series canonical and those who consider all ''Doctor Who'' canonical. Within that spectrum many view the licensed [[novels]] and [[radio drama|audio plays]] as at least near-canonical, and some of those would also include the ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' comic strips. It is generally assumed that all televised ''Doctor Who'' episodes from 1963 to 1989, the 1981 spin-off ''[[K-9 and Company]]'', the [[Doctor Who (Enemy Within)|1996 telemovie]] and the new series, which started in 2005, are canonical, including a 1965 episode in which the [[First Doctor]] breaks the [[fourth wall]] to wish viewers a Merry [[Christmas]] ("The Feast of Steven", episode 7 of ''[[The Daleks' Master Plan]]'').

Generally, the canonical status of all [[Doctor Who spin-offs|Doctor Who spin-off]] media outside of what has been presented on screen (bar obvious spoofs) is debatable, including the [[BBC radio]] dramas and [[webcast]]s based upon the show. The two theatrical films based upon the series in the 1960s, starring [[Peter Cushing]], are not generally considered canonical, nor is the considerable background information contained in the [[role-playing game]] produced by FASA in the [[1980s]].

Many of the short stories in the BBC anthology ''Short Trips and Side Steps'' have settings generally considered non-canonical; for instance, one story features the [[Cushing Doctor]], while another is set between the [[Children in Need]] ''[[EastEnders]]'' crossover ''[[Dimensions in Time]]'' and the Doctor's appearance in the schools' programme ''[[Search Out Science]]''.

The comic strips (''Ground Zero'', DWM #238-242), [[Eighth Doctor Adventures]] (''Sometime Never...'' by [[Justin Richards]]) and the [[Big Finish Productions]] audio plays (''[[Zagreus (Doctor Who audio)|Zagreus]]'') have all attempted to provide an in-continuity explanation for discrepancies by suggesting that their respective continuities take place in separate [[parallel universe]]s.

A new series of novels based upon the current 2005 ''Doctor Who'' series is under way. There have been subtle references to a few of the literary storylines in televised episodes, but thus far not enough to allow determination as to whether these books are considered canon.

===Firefly/Serenity===
The canon of ''[[Firefly (television series)|Firefly]]'' and its cinematic follow-up ''[[Serenity (film)|Serenity]]'' is the fourteen episodes of ''Firefly'', the film ''Serenity'', and the three-issue [[Dark Horse Comics]] series, also titled ''[[Serenity (comic)|Serenity]]'', that bridges the television series and the film.

===Harry Potter===
While there is no official statement on what is considered to be [[Harry Potter]] canon, the majority of fans generally accept it to be the works which come straight from [[J. K. Rowling]] herself. These include the six novels and the two "textbooks", ''Quidditch through the Ages'' and ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them''. Many fans will also consider any fact about the series that she has stated on her site, [http://www.jkrowling.com], to be canon. Although Rowling is consulted at the writing stage, the Warner Bros. movie adaptations are generally not considered to be canon, and often contain fundamental contradictions with Rowling's works. [[The Harry Potter Lexicon|The HP Lexicon]], a respected Harry Potter encyclopedia on the internet, proposes the following set of canon rules: [http://www.hp-lexicon.org/help/hp-faq.html#canon]

===Highlander===
{{seemain|Highlander (film)#Series/Film separation}}

Many fans of [[Highlander (film)|Highlander]] consider only the first film to be canon (reciting "there can be only one"). Others distinguish the first three films as belonging to one continuity (the "Connor Universe") and the [[Highlander: The Series|television series]] and ''Highlander: Endgame'' as belonging to another (the "Duncan Universe").

===The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy===
There were so many changes by [[Douglas Adams]] himself that the original story remains unknown.
The publications were continuously improved; characters, locations, events introduced, removed, modified. Even the [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (book)|title's spelling]] may differ among editions. Finally, he declared in a preface to his 5-book "trilogy" to be the canon, but translations of apparently the same edition fail to match the number of chapters. The [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (film)|movie]] also tells us a significantly modified story.

However, the [[main characters]] ([[Arthur Dent]], [[Ford Prefect]], [[Trillian (character)|Trillian]], [[Zaphod Beeblebrox|Zaphod]] and [[Marvin the Paranoid Android|Marvin]]) are static personalities; as well as other instances like [[Vogons]], [[Towel]], [[42 (number)|42]], the destruction of Earth and, of course, [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|The Guide]] itself are unchangable.

The author's goal to communicate the canon idea behind the flow of events makes the order or presence of actions superfluous.

===James Bond===
Fans of [[Ian Fleming]]'s superspy are divided over what is considered official canon. There is little argument that all of Fleming's original short stories and novels are canon, and some include the [[Kingsley Amis]] Bond novel, ''[[Colonel Sun]]'' in this canon as well. The status of the [[John Gardner (thriller writer)|John Gardner]] and [[Raymond Benson]] Bond novels in canon is less certain, since both book series have been updated and feature elements and characters created for the movie series. Benson's novels are particularly controversial as they appear to be based upon the Bond movie universe, rather than the literary Bond. The various Bond film novelizations are generally considered [[apocryphal]], as is a 1970s "authorized biography" of Bond by [[John Pearson (author)|John Pearson]].

A new series of novels featuring a [[Young Bond|teenaged Bond]] written by [[Charlie Higson]] was released in the beginning of [[2005]]. It remains to be seen if this series will be considered official canon. The TV series ''[[James Bond Jr.]]'', while officially licensed, is not considered canonical.

The Bond movies, meanwhile, appear to exist somewhat outside of any canon. Although there is some between-films continuity (e.g. references to the death of Bond's wife), the ever-changing cast has rendered any sort of canon determination virtually impossible.

===Macross===
The [[Macross]] canon consists of two animated TV series (''[[The Super Dimension Fortress Macross]]'' and its distant sequel, ''[[Macross Seven]]''), a movie which is treated as a historical drama produced in the "Macross universe" (''[[Macross: Ai Oboete Imasu Ka?|Macross: Ai Oboete Imasu Ka?/Macross: Do You Remember Love?]]'') and two Original Animation Videos (''[[Macross Plus]]'', a sequel and ''[[Macross Zero]]'', a prequel). Not included is ''[[Macross II: Lovers Again]]'', a sequel hurriedly produced by [[Big West]] for the 10th Anniversary of Macross in [[1992]].

===Marvel Universe===
Most, but not all, comic books published by [[Marvel Comics]] are set in a shared world known as the [[Marvel Universe]]. The canon for this world comprises all the comics not stated to be set in an [[alternate universe]], except those specifically contradicted by later stories. The events may not have occurred exactly as shown, however, owing to the [[floating timeline]].

Appearances of the Marvel Comics characters in other media are not considered canon.

===Mega Man===
The ''[[Mega Man]]'' or ''Rockman'' canon is a source of much debate, due to confusing information that may had resulted from plotholes in the games.

According to official sources from [[Capcom]] (such as the ''Rockman Perfect Memories'' book), the series' continuity starts with the original "[[Mega Man Classic|Classic]]" series and proceeds to (in order) ''[[Mega Man X]]'', ''[[Mega Man Zero]]'' and ''[[Mega Man Legends]]''. The ''[[Mega Man Battle Network]]'' is set in an alternative universe from the other series and is not part of the franchise's main canon.

''[[Mega Man & Bass]]'', ''Mega Man: Power Battle'' and ''Mega Man: Power Fighters'' are generally accepted as canonical as well. However, the canonical status of some of the other spinoffs, particularly [[Game Boy]] versions of ''Mega Man I'' through ''V''. has not been officially established. The ''Rockman & Forte'' game for [[Wonderswan]] is non-canonical, due to the fact that it was only a licensed product made by Bandai and not developed internally by Capcom.

===Metal Gear===
The ''[[Metal Gear]]'' canon is comprised for the first two games in the series that were originally released for the [[MSX2]] and the later sequels released under the ''[[Metal Gear Solid]]'' title. ''[[Metal Gear: Ghost Babel]]'' (which contained several discrenpancies between it and the main games) and the ''[[Metal Gear Acid]]'' series are considered side-stories set outside the main canon. ''[[Snake's Revenge]]'', an early ''Metal Gear'' sequel released only for the western market, is the only game not officially recognized by [[Hideo Kojima#Kojima Productions|Kojima Productions]]. ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance]]'', an expanded version of ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty]]'', contains a series of side-stories titled "Snake Tales" (set in enviroments recycled from the main game), which are considered uncanonical due to various contradicting details and overall recycled nature of them.

The original ''[[Metal Gear Solid]]'' features two different endings, depending on the player's actions during the "torture event". In the first ending, [[Meryl Silverburgh]] survives the events of the game after Snake successfully resist [[Revolver Ocelot]]'s torture; however, if the player submits to the torture event, then an alternate ending is shown where Snake finds Meryl dead. The subsequent game (''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty]]'') makes no specific reference to either ending within the actual storyline. However, the fictional publication ''In the Shadow of Shadow Moses'' featured in the game as a bonus, alludes to Meryl's survival.

===Middle-earth===
{{seemain|Middle-earth canon}}
Defining the [[Middle-earth]] canon is difficult, because many key writings were not published by [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] before his death. A considerable number of [[Tolkien fan]]s do not believe that a canon can be defined at all, preferring to observe the evolution of Tolkien's stories in the many versions and drafts published posthumously in the [[The History of Middle-earth|History of Middle-earth]] series. Most, however, agree that ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' are canon, and also include a substantial amount of material published in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', and other posthumous books, as well as information from Tolkien's [[The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien|letters]]. Works outside of canon include art books (except for the collections of Tolkien's own art) and video games; the ''Lord of the Rings'' movies by [[Ralph Bakshi]] and [[Peter Jackson]] are generally considered non-canonical as well.

===Mortal Kombat===
The ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' series has an especially interesting (and confusing) plot canon. Every game in the series features a different ending for each character. Often, the endings in a single game will contradict each other. Fans tend to speculate about which endings are canon from whatever game has most recently been released, however the "true" endings are never officially known until the plot of the next game is revealed. Because not every ending from a game can be true, the majority of the endings from each game are non-canon. Additionally, portions of some endings may be considered canon while the rest of the ending is ignored.

An interesting trend associated with this line of canon plot is that nearly every game assumes the "good guys" (typically, the Earthrealm kombatants) prevailed over the "bad guys." In fact, this trend has only recently been broken, with the release of 2004's ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'', which assumes that Earthrealm's warriors lost and died at the hands of the [[Deadly Alliance]].

===The Prisoner===
The official canon of the 1960s TV series ''[[The Prisoner]]'', at present, consists of only the 17 broadcast episodes. The alternate versions of the episodes "Arrival" and "Chimes of Big Ben" which include additional scenes (including one sequence in "Chimes" that reveals The Prisoner is capable of determining the location of [[The Village]], rendering one ongoing subplot of the series moot) is not considered canon. The argument over whether [[Number 6]] is [[John Drake]] has led to debate over whether the ''[[Danger Man]]'' TV series should be considered part of ''The Prisoner'' canon; officially, it is not. Three original novels based on the series written during the 1960s (two of which identify No. 6 as John Drake) are not considered canon; the canon status of a new series of novels launched in 2005 is unclear.

===Resident Evil===
In the ''[[Resident Evil]]'' series, the main "numbered" games (which includes ''[[Resident Evil Code: Veronica]]'') are all considered canonical by [[Capcom]]. However, Capcom has yet to classify the canonical status for many of the side-games, namely the ''Gun Survivor'' series and ''Resident Evil Outbreak'' games. Some fans consider them to be canonical due to several factors, such as an allusion to the Sheena Island incident (the events of ''[[Resident Evil: Survivor]]'') in the beginning of ''[[Resident Evil 0]]''. The only game that is generally seen as uncanonical is ''[[Resident Evil Gaiden]]'', due to an unexplored cliffhanger ending. The films and novelizations (as well as other sanctioned adaptations) are not canonical due to several discrenpancies between them and the games.

There has also been debate as to how the events of the earlier games actually transpired due to multiple endings and alternate scenarios of the same storyline. This is best exemplified with the original ''[[Resident Evil (video game)|Resident Evil]]''. In the games that followed, it is stated that [[S.T.A.R.S.]] members [[Chris Redfield]] and [[Jill Valentine]] survived the mansion incident (the events of the original game) along with their respective supporting characters, [[Rebecca Chambers]] and [[Barry Burton]]. However, this is impossible to do in the game itself, due to the fact that the best possible ending for each character only features three of the four surviving STARS members (Barry and Rebecca are never in the same game together).

===Sherlock Holmes===
The [[Sherlock Holmes]] canon consists of the stories and novels written by [[Arthur Conan Doyle]]. This was decided by [[the Baker Street Irregulars]], a group of Holmes enthusiasts, to distinguish the original stories from the [[pastiche]]s that followed Holmes' retirement, and is probably the first use of the word in this context.

===The Simpsons===
In ''[[The Simpsons]]'', most episodes are considered to be canon, though some may not be able to match others exactly. There is one episode that parodies this: Ned Flanders gives Homer a football ticket and they become friends by the end of the episode. [http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/episodeguide/season5/1f14.shtml]
<blockquote>Lisa: ''Don't worry, Bart. It seems like every week something odd happens to the Simpsons. My advice is to ride it out, make the occasional smart-aleck quip, and by next week we'll be back to where we started from, ready for another wacky adventure.</blockquote>''
<blockquote>Bart: ''Ay, caramba!</blockquote>''
<blockquote>Lisa: ''That's the spirit.</blockquote>''

In the last scene of the episode, it is like none of it ever happened.

Some episodes contain references to others, such as mentions of the Simpson family having travelled to all of the continents in the world, save Antarctica. One issue of continuity that is unlikely to be definitively decided is the question of where the Simpsons' home town of Springfield is. Most clues about Springfield's location are contradictory, which is completely intentional. In one episode, Springfield is shown on a map as being in north-west Tennessee, but other episodes contradict this.

Some special episodes, such as the [[Treehouse of Horror]] specials, clip shows, and "[[Behind the Laughter]]," are not considered to be canon.

The original ''Shorts'', which appeared as filler material in ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' and featured what could be considered prototypes of the ''Simpsons'' characters are not considered canonical.

===Sonic the Hedgehog===
The Sonic game plots are often basic, but have become increasingly complex with each subsequent game.
''Sonic the Hedgehog'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', ''Sonic and Knuckles'', ''Sonic Adventure'', ''Sonic Adventure 2'', ''Sonic Heroes'' and ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' are assumed to be absolute canon games, since they were all directly created by Sonic Team. ''Sonic CD'' is also absolute canon, since it has been referred to in ''Sonic Adventure'' and ''Sonic Heroes''.

Whether some characters have been retconned, and which ones, is a source of debate.

*The Advance games are most likely canon, as they have introduced a few characters that have later appeared in absolute canon games (such as Cream the Rabbit). It is debatable whether ''Sonic Battle'' is canon though.

*Some of the [[Game Gear]] games do not appear to fit into the canon.

*Other spinoffs also do not appear to fit into the canon.

*''Knuckles Chaotix'' is most likely canon, as it follows directly from ''Sonic & Knuckles'', according to the Japanese manual.

*''Sonic 3D'' and ''Sonic R'', the ''Travellers' Tales'' games for the Sega Saturn, may or may not be canon.

There is therefore a degree hypocrisy within the fanbase over whether or not the creation of a game by the Sonic Team grants it absolute canon status.

Some argue that romantic couples such as [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]/[[Amy Rose]] or [[Knuckles the Echidna]]/[[Rouge the Bat]] are proved by the canon, but others disagree and say that the canon disproves them. As none of the characters in the Sonic games have actually gotten together or even kissed, none of the relationship theories can be officially proved or disproved.

===Stargate===
{{seemain|Stargate}}
The ''Stargate'' fictional universe canon consists of:
*An original [[1994]] movie entitled ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'', which was intended to be the first of at least three, but was left to stand alone by its producers as [[Roland Emmerich]] moved on to ''[[Independence Day (film)|Independence Day]]''.
*Subsequent novels by an established author which carried on the story based on Emmerich's notes (not considered canon after the addition of the next bullet).
*A [[spin-off]] TV series by the same producers called ''[[Stargate SG-1]]'' which carried on one year after the story of the film ''Stargate'', and followed different developments from those described in the novels. This is generally considered canon over the books.
*A further spin-off called ''[[Stargate Atlantis]]'' which develops a strand of the plot of ''Stargate SG-1''. There was also an animated series named ''[[Stargate Infinity]]'' which was acknowledged by its producers to strictly not be canon.
*A computer game called ''[[Stargate SG-1 (video game)|Stargate: The Alliance]]'' which is canon with the plot of ''[[Stargate SG-1]]''.
Some fans consider ''Stargate SG-1'' to be incomptible with the movie due to a few minor changes in small details of the film's plot when carried into the television series. However, most fans and even the producers pass over these details as insignificant.

===Star Trek===
{{seemain|Star Trek canon}}

The [[Star Trek]] canon consists of the television series [[Star Trek: The Original Series|''Star Trek'' (the original series)]], ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'', and the ten Star Trek movies. The non-canonical status of the various [[novel]]s, [[comic book]]s, and ''[[Star Trek: The Animated Series]]'' was decided by [[Gene Roddenberry]], who also claimed that some elements from the films ''[[Star Trek V: The Final Frontier]]'' and ''[[Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country]]'' were "slightly apocryphal".

The canonicity of the various reference books such as ''[[The Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' and various companions accompanying the series is still debated. Many consider such reference works to be canon, while others do not; there is currently no clear answer solving this problem. A similar problem exists with [[trading card]]s cataloging information from the series.

===Star Wars===
{{seemain|Star Wars canon}}

The ''[[Star Wars]]'' canon is a complex issue, and Lucas Licensing has devised a four-level system called the "[[Holocron]] continuity database" to keep track of the ''Star Wars'' canon. The purpose of this database is to chronicle all ''Star Wars'' stories, and settle any disputes that may arise within the various productions. The basic rule, however, is that the ''Star Wars'' canon is comprised of the six ''Star Wars'' films, along with all officially liscensed ''Star Wars'' stories not contradicting the films.

===South Park===
Another notable animation series in this context is ''[[South Park]]''. It follows the misbehavings of a group of four friends. At the end of most early episodes, the character of [[Kenny McCormick|Kenny]] dies, but at the start of each new episode, he's found to be alive again. Whilst this was originally explained by his fading into existence at the beginning of "Cartman's Mom Is Still A Dirty Slut", it was later revealed that Kenny's mother gives birth to a new 'Kenny' immediately after the passing of the old one. The 'Kenny' born when this explanation was made was the 52nd. However that is not considered to be canon.

===Warhammer 40,000===
The canon of [[Games Workshop]]'s [[Warhammer 40,000]] universe is officially held to be extended to all works produced under an official Games Workshop licence: this means that all works produced by Games Workshop since [[Rogue Trader (Warhammer 40,000)|Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]] are canonical until superceded, and no works produced without official blessing are considered canon at all (although increasingly in the last ten years since the Internet enabled fans to widely disseminate their own works such material has later been subsumed into official Games Workshop publications). However, the very far-reaching changes in game background and tone over the first three revisions of the core rulebook and background sourcebooks have invalidated very large parts of a history once considered canon (although the original Rogue Trader deliberately avoided establishing too many solid universal details for the sake of ensuring the game could be expanded by gamesmasters according to the prevailing logic in the science fiction gaming community at the late [[Eighties]]).

Almost all current consumers of Games Workshop material hold material to be canon only until superceded by more recent publications. Isolated communities of gamers who reject recent changes in game history and rules by the company exist, connected either locally by gaming groups or globally via Internet message boards ([http://www.easternfringe.com/]); these groups commonly either reject the widespread changes made to the core rules and background in the third revision of the rulebook and supporting material or reject all material which contradicts the original [[1987]] Rogue Trader publication (as almost all work released after the original book introduced specific [[timeline]] items which sought to direct the [[Gamesmaster]] in ways which seemingly contradicted the extremely open-ended [[Science fantasy|Science Fantasy]] background of the original book).

==Other factors==
The fact the majority of fans of a fictional setting view certain things as non-canonical, or even an official statement to that effect from its creators, does not oblige everyone to agree. In addition, a story can belong to two overlapping canons. The most obvious example of this is [[Philip José Farmer]]'s [[Wold Newton family]]. Some (but not all) of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, [[Tarzan]], [[Doc Savage]] etc. are canonical in the Wold Newton setting. This does not mean that the events of Farmer's books are canonical from a Sherlockian perspective. Similarly, fans of [[Laurie R. King]]'s novels of [[Sherlock Holmes]] and [[Mary Russell]] consider all the Holmes stories to be canonical in King's setting.

The difference can be even less clear cut than this. Current ''Star Trek'' novels maintain a tight continuity with each other, and avoid contradicting the television series. When a ''Lost Era'' novel set between the movies and ''The Next Generation'' features a younger version of a character introduced in a ''Deep Space Nine'' novel, it's obvious there's some sort of "canonical" novel-setting, even if the TV series is not obliged to conform to it. This is where [[fanon]] and canon often collide, especially when a TV series, movie or other officially canonical source contradicts it. An example is the Trek novel ''[[Starfleet Year One]]'' which appeared in print before the TV series ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' was announced, but was completely invalidated by the series; there are some Trek fans who prefer the ''Starfleet Year One'' version of events as canon, rejecting the TV series. Generally, though, in the case of televised fiction, only facts which appear in the as-originally-aired version of a program are considered canonical (including scenes cut from re-runs, but not including such things as deleted scenes and scenes from unaired pilots and other such material that 'leaks out' over the internet).

In some fictional universes, interviews and other communications from authors are also considered canon - like [[The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien|the letters of J. R. R. Tolkien]] with relation to [[Middle Earth]]; also items such as interviews, internet chat sessions, and Web sites (e.g., the Web site of [[J. K. Rowling]] in relation to [[Harry Potter]]). This usually only happens in cases where all works in the universe have the same author.

==See also==
*[[Dragon Ball canon]]
*[[krypto-revisionism]]

[[Category:Continuity (fiction)]]
[[Category:Canons|*]]

Valleyspeak

2005-12-25T07:13:44Z

WhyBeNormal: /* Emphasizers */

'''Valspeak''' is a common name for the dialect used by [[valley girl|valley girls]], stereotypical dumb [[blondes]], living in the [[San Fernando Valley]], with rich parents, a superficial social life and a lot of attention for fashion and parties. This stereotype originated in the [[1970s]], but was at its peak in the [[1980s]] and still popular in the [[1990s]].

The term "Valley Girl" and the Valley manner of speech was given a wider circulation with the release of the record by [[Moon Unit Zappa]], the fourteen-year-old daughter of [[Frank Zappa]], which consisted of Moon speaking a series of meaningless phrases in "valspeak" behind the music. Some of the terms used by Moon were not actually Valley phrases, but were [[Surfing|surfer]] terms instead (such as "tubular" and "gnarly"). But due to the song's popularity some of the surfer phrases actually entered the speech of real Valley teens after this point. The Los Angeles surfing subculture, on the other hand, did not generally begin using the Valley terms.

==Speech==

Most of these quotes are taken from [[Amy Heckerling]]'s [[1995]] movie ''[[Clueless]]'', which focuses on the life of valley girl Cher Horowitz ''([[Alicia Silverstone]])''.

===Intonation===

* Excessive use of [[high rising terminal]]. Statements have rising intonation.
''But you were hardly even married to his mother and that was five years ago.''

===Emphasizers===
* "totally"
''I totally paused!''
* "like"
''So OK, you're probably thinking, "Is this, like, a Noxema commercial, or what?!"''
* "why"
''Oh, why that came out of nowhere.''
* "duh!"
''Did you write that? Duh, it's like a famous quote.''
* "As - if!" (used to express distinct doubt)
''You expect me to wear that? As if!''

==Vocabulary==

{| class="wikitable"
! Word !! Definition
|-
| Airhead || An intellectual lightweight ''(e.g. a valley girl)''
|-
| Baldwin || Handsome boy or man ''(from the Baldwin brothers)''
|-
| Barf bag || Jerk
|-
| Betty || Beautiful girl or woman (presumably from the [[Betty Cooper]] character in the ''[[Archie comics]]'')
|-
| Bitchin' || Cool
|-
| Dweeb || Nerd
|-
| Classic || Great
|-
| Fiesta || Party
|-
| Fer sure! || Certainly
|-
| Gag me with a spoon! || That's disgusting (from a method of inducing vomiting)
|-
| Gnarly || Good
|-
| Grody || Disgusting ''(e.g. grody to the max)'' (from "grotesque")
|-
| I'm so sure! || (spoken sarcastically) I don't believe you.
|-
| Joanie || Unhip girl ''(from the Joanie Cunningham character on Happy Days)''
|-
| Loadie || Stoned boy or girl
|-
| Outtie || Out of here ''(e.g. I'm outtie)''
|-
| Psych! || Just kidding
|-
| Rad || Very cool (from "radical")
|-
| Sketchy || Bad
|-
| To the max || More of the preceding adjective ''(e.g. grody to the max)''
|-
| Tubular || Very cool
|-
| UVs || Sunshine. ''(e.g. I'm heading down to the beach to get some UVs.)''
|-
| to Veg (out) || To rest (from "vegetate")
|}

==See also==
* [[Valspeak filter]] - a novelty program that translates English into Valspeak.
==External links==
*[http://www.80s.com/Entertainment/ValleyURL/ "Valspeak" website translator]
*[http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/jbc/home/chef.html "Valspeak" text translator]
*[http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/5342/Clueless.htm Clueless: the script]
[[Category:1980s fads]]
[[Category:Slang]]
[[Category:Forms of English]]

Rajasingha II.

2005-12-23T21:34:52Z

WhyBeNormal:

'''King Rajasimha II''' (also spelled Rajasingha) is the most famous king of the Kingdom of Kandy (Kandeudarata) and ruled over the kingdom from 1629 to 1687. He was the son of the previous king Senerath.

He led the defence of Kandy in 1612 when a Portuguese army invaded the kingdom during his father's reign.
{{stub}}

Association Fallacy

2005-11-23T19:06:16Z

WhyBeNormal: /* See also */

An '''association fallacy''' is a type of [[logical fallacy]] which asserts that qualities of one are inherently qualities of another, merely by association. The two types are sometimes referred to as "guilt by association" and "honor by association." Association fallacies are a special case of [[red herring (fallacy)|red herring]], and are often based in an [[appeal to emotion]].

'''Guilt by association,''' also known as the "bad company fallacy" or the "company that you keep fallacy," is the logical fallacy of claiming that something must be ''false'' because of the people or organizations who support it.
Some examples are:
* ''Atheism must be wrong — [[Pol Pot]] and [[Stalin]] were atheists, and just look at them.''
* ''A few [[Catholic priest|Catholic priests]] have molested children, so Catholicism is evil.''
* ''Anti-war activists has made statements critical of Israel. Neo-nazis have made similar statements. Therefore, opposing the war is equivalent to supporting Nazism.''
* ''[[Adolf Hitler]] was a [[vegetarian]]. Vegetarianism must be evil.''

The logical inverse of "guilt by association" is '''honor by association''', where one claims that someone or something must be reputable because of the people or organisations who are related to it, or otherwise support it. For example:

* ''Alice is a lawyer, and Alice thinks highly of Bob. Therefore, Bob must know the law.
* ''Aaron will make a good race car driver, because his father was a good race car driver.

==See also==
*[[Halo effect]]
*[[Reductio ad Hitlerum]]
*[[Racial profiling]]

===External links===
* [http://www.propagandacritic.com/articles/ct.fc.transfer.html Propagandacritic.com] "Transfer technique"
* [http://www.propagandacritic.com/articles/ct.fc.testimonial.html Propagandacritic.com] "Testimonial"



{{philo-stub}}

[[Category:Logical fallacies]]
[[sv:Guilt by association]]
[[he:%D7%90%D7%A9%D7%9E%D7%94_%D7%91%D7%92%D7%9C%D7%9C_%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%94]]

National Center for Science Education

2005-10-17T19:30:40Z

WhyBeNormal: /* External links */

[[image:Nat_Ctr_Sci_Ed_logo.gif|frame|right|The NCSE's logo]]
The '''National Center for Science Education''' (NCSE) is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the [[American Association for the Advancement of Science]] that defends the teaching of [[evolution]] and opposes the teaching of [[religion | religious]] views in science classes in [[United States|America]]'s [[public school]]s. Its executive director (since [[1987]]) is [[Eugenie Scott]].

{{sci-stub}}

==External links==
* [http://www.ncseweb.org/ National Center for Science Education Homepage]
* [http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs/189.asp Criticism of the group]

[[category:Education in the United States]]
[[category:anti-creationism]]