Introduction: the subtle interplay between Futures Studies and Anticipation Theory

Roberto Poli

Chapter 1 in Handbook of Futures Studies, 2024, pp 1-8 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: To clarify the connections between Futures Studies and Anticipation Theory, the analogy between economics and mathematics may help. Mathematics is by far much wider than economics and asks questions that have little relevance to the latter (such as “which is the shortest proof of a theorem?”). Economics exploits some fragments of mathematics and offers problems that may trigger the development of new mathemetics. The same interplay applies to Futures Studies and Anticipation Theory. The theory of anticipation is by far much wider than Futures Studies, including the many types of anticipation embedded in all kinds of living beings. Anticipation is exploited by Futures Studies as its decision-making component. The chapter then continues addressing issues such as the different types of future, the world as an unfinished process, the levels of futures studies, complexity, and the relations between Futures Studies and the social and human sciences.

Keywords: Business and Management; Development Studies; Economics and Finance; Environment; Innovations and Technology; Politics and Public Policy Sociology and Social Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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