Essential Definitions in Prospective Studies and Futurology

Key Concepts in Futurology and Prospective Studies

4. Roy Amara's Goals for Future Research

According to Roy Amara, future research has diverse goals. Mention two of them.

• Identify and analyze alternative futures.
• Identify key precursor areas for future individuals.

5. Charles Francois' Definition of the Future

How does Charles Francois define the future?

As the dimension in which the imagination can build contradictory structures.

6. Decouflé's Representation of the Future

How does Decouflé represent and express the future?

Decouflé expresses the future in three ways:

• As a Destination: Expressed as Prophecy and Divination.
• As Porvenir (The Future to Come): Expressed as Utopian and Science Fiction.
• As Devenir (Becoming): Expressed as Futurology and Outlook (Prospective).

11. Defining Scenarios in Prospective Studies

What is a scenario in the field of prospective studies?

Scenarios are conceptual constructions based on assumptions. They represent a global picture of the phenomenon to be analyzed. Future scenarios represent hypothetical visions of the future, built from the development of a set of premises available in the present.

12. Understanding Indicators

What is an indicator?

Indicators are tools used to clarify and define precise objectives and impacts. They are verifiable measures of change or results, designed to provide a standard against which to evaluate, assess, or demonstrate progress against preset goals.

14. Defining Prognosis

What is a Prognosis?

Prognosis concerns the development of generally likely future events. It represents judgments on a particular outcome believed to be the most suitable to serve as the basis for an action program.

15. Understanding Utterance (Forecasting Technique)

What is the utterance?

Utterance refers to a series of techniques based on experience. It is rooted in the past to build the future.

16. The Basis for Forecasting

What is the basis for the forecast?

Forecasting is based on deterministic theories and presents statements that attempt to be accurate about what will happen in the future.

18. The Role of Projection

What is a projection?

Projection provides information about the trajectory of an event, assuming the continuity of the historical pattern. It provides a set of alternatives to consider.

19. Defining Strategic Foresight

What is Foresight?

Foresight is the act of attracting and focusing attention on the future, imagining from that perspective and not solely from the present. Foresight seeks not to know the future, but rather to build it.

20. Strategic Planning Defined

What is Strategic Planning?

Strategic Planning is the process of designing a desired future and identifying and proposing ways to achieve it.