History of the Future

1
History of the Future

• Introduction

2
What is Futures?

• This course is called History of the Future
• 1. What do you think that means?
• What are your expectations for this class?
• 2. What topics/ideas are you hoping to learn
  about/study?

3
Future Studies

• Future Studies is
• The systematic study of and preparation for the
  future both societys and YOURS!
• The future can be difficult to comprehend because
  it is so uncertain
• We will consider
• Futures which are possible
• Futures which are probably
• Futures which are desirable

4
Future Education

• Future education encompasses a wide range of
  subject matter
• history, economics, government, geography,
  sociology, psychology, biology, ecology,
  technology, etc.
• We study the world holistically systematically
• We consider open-endedness
• We research major issues of today
• https//www.youtube.com/watch?v0u0EUFUL9ZA

5
Interconnectedness

• In this class, we will consider that
• Social systems exhibit continuity change occurs
  gradually
• The similarities between societies/cultures are
  more similar than different
• The study of the past (causes/effects) can
  facilitate an understanding of things to come
• Society changes to move toward goals

6
Central Concept

• Trend Extrapolation
• This term will be a core concept for Futures
• 3. What do you think it means?
• Definition A forecasting technique using
  statistical methods to project the future pattern
  of events

7
Central Quote

• Consider the following quote
• We study the past to understand the present and
  prepare for the future
• 4. Do you agree? Disagree? Why?
• Consider your life is this applicable? Explain
• Consider the world is this applicable? Explain

8
Why does it matter?

• There are numerous worldwide problems/crises gt
• War, pollution, population pressure, lack of
  adequate food/water, living space, etc.
• By analyzing issues such as these, we can begin
  to plan prepare for the future

9
Futurists

• A Futurist is a person whose occupation or
  specialty is the forecasting of future events,
  conditions, or developments. In addition, they
  are dreamers - they think and act ahead of their
  time, even if that means going against
  traditional values or assumptions in society.
  Futurists can be artists, poets, engineers,
  scientists, philosophers, explorers.ANYONE who
  has a dream. Futurists way to success is often
  through perseverance they see criticism as a
  stepping stone rather than a roadblock, and are
  not afraid to follow their hearts and dreams.

10
Futurists

• Walt Disney was a Futurist
• Tomorrow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists
  today are opening the doors of the Space Age to
  achievements that will benefit our children and
  generations to come. The Tomorrowland attractions
  have been designed to give you an opportunity to
  participate in adventures that are a living
  blueprint of our future."
• Walt Disney

11
Tomorrowland

• Although Disney is not alive today, his
  visions/dreams live on. The left photograph is
  the entrance to Tomorrowland in 1996 while the
  one in the right is the same entrance in 2006.
  How much can change in only 10 years?

12
Walt Disney

• Walt Disney was a film producer, director,
  screenwriter, voice actor, animator,
  entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon,
  philanthropist. Disney is famous for his
  influence in the field of entertainment during
  the twentieth century. As the co-founder (with
  his brother) of Walt Disney Productions, Disney
  became one of the best-known motion-picture
  producers in the world. The corporation he
  co-founded, now known as The Walt Disney Company,
  today has annual revenues of approximately U.S.
  35 billion.
• Disney was an innovator in animation theme park
  design. He and his staff created a number of the
  world's most famous fictional characters
  including Mickey Mouse. He is the namesake for
  Disneyland Walt Disney World Resort theme parks
  in the U.S., Japan, France, China

13
Futurists

• 6. Make a list of 5 futuristic thinkers or ideas
  that you know about or have experienced in your
  lifetime. WHY are these people futurists? WHY
  are these ideas futuristic?
• - Rank them 1 5 (1 being the most
  forward-thinking futurist/idea)