Concepts & Terminology
Explore the scientific principles, philosophical concepts, and technological marvels that define Isaac Asimov's Foundation universe.
Core Concepts
Psychohistory
CoreThe mathematical framework developed by Hari Seldon to predict the future behavior of large populations.
The Seldon Plan
CoreHari Seldon's masterwork: a millennia-spanning plan to reduce 30,000 years of darkness to just 1,000 years.
Encyclopedia Galactica
CoreThe ostensible purpose of the First Foundation: to preserve all human knowledge in one comprehensive encyclopedia.
Seldon Crisis
CorePredicted pivotal moments in history where the Foundation faces critical challenges with only one solution.
Mentalics
Mental powers possessed by members of the Second Foundation, allowing them to manipulate emotions and thoughts.
Galactic Empire
CoreThe vast empire spanning 25 million inhabited worlds, in decline during the Foundation era.
Additional Terms
Trantor
LocationThe capital planet of the Galactic Empire
Terminus
LocationHome world of the First Foundation
The Vault
TechnologyStructure housing Seldon's holographic recordings
Atomics
TechnologyNuclear technology controlled by the Foundation
Three Laws of Robotics
LawFundamental rules governing robot behavior
Jump
TechnologyFaster-than-light travel technology
Browse by Category
Science & Math
3 concepts
- • Psychohistory
- • Mentalics
- • Statistics
Technology
4 concepts
- • Atomics
- • Jump Technology
- • The Vault
- • Robotics
Organizations
3 concepts
- • Galactic Empire
- • First Foundation
- • Second Foundation
Locations
2 concepts
- • Trantor
- • Terminus
Understanding Foundation's Core Concepts
Isaac Asimov's Foundation series introduces readers to groundbreaking scientific and philosophical concepts that have influenced science fiction for decades. At the heart of the series lies psychohistory, a fictional mathematical framework that combines history, sociology, and mathematics to predict the future of large populations.
The Foundation of Psychohistory
Psychohistory is perhaps the most significant concept in the series. Developed by Hari Seldon, this discipline allows prediction of future events with remarkable accuracy, though it works only on sufficiently large populations and cannot predict individual behavior. This limitation becomes crucial to the plot when unexpected individuals (like the Mule) threaten the Seldon Plan.
Technology and Society
Beyond psychohistory, the series explores various technological and social concepts, from nuclear power ("atomics") to faster-than-light travel. Each concept serves not just as world-building but as a lens through which Asimov examines real-world issues of power, knowledge, and social change.