Conquistador is obviously oblivious of the common uses of literature in expressing opinion.
So, apparently, are you.
Stirling is a poor example of a sci-fi author; all of his work lacks realism.
Are you speaking the distinction between "hard" and "soft" science fiction? If so, might I recommend Stephen Baxter? Given his proclivity for incorporating subjects as diverse as the Big Bang singularity of the past to his Timelike Infinity singularity of the future, the Great Attractor, naked singularities, and the Fermi Paradox, you might find his fiction interesting reading...I certainly do.