What is the Future?

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book What is the Future? by John Urry, Wiley
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Urry ISBN: 9780745696577
Publisher: Wiley Publication: September 6, 2016
Imprint: Polity Language: English
Author: John Urry
ISBN: 9780745696577
Publisher: Wiley
Publication: September 6, 2016
Imprint: Polity
Language: English

Thinking about the future is essential for almost all organizations and societies. States, corporations, universities, cities, NGOs and individuals believe they cannot miss the future. But what exactly is the future? It remains a mystery – perhaps the greatest mystery, especially because futures are unpredictable and often unknowable, the outcome of many factors, known and unknown. The future is rarely a simple extrapolation from the present.

In this important book, John Urry seeks to capture the many efforts that have been made to anticipate, visualize and elaborate the future. This includes examining the methods used to model the future, from those of the RAND Corporation to imagined future worlds in philosophy, literature, art, film, TV and computer games. He shows that futures are often contested and saturated with different interests, especially in relation to future generations. He also shows how analyses of social institutions, practices and lives should be central to examining potential futures, and issues such as who owns the future.

The future seems to be characterized by 'wicked problems'. There are multiple 'causes' and 'solutions', long-term lock-ins and complex interdependencies, and different social groups have radically different frames for understanding what is at stake. Urry explores these issues through case-studies of 3D printing and the future of manufacturing, mobilities in the city, and the futures of energy and climate change.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Thinking about the future is essential for almost all organizations and societies. States, corporations, universities, cities, NGOs and individuals believe they cannot miss the future. But what exactly is the future? It remains a mystery – perhaps the greatest mystery, especially because futures are unpredictable and often unknowable, the outcome of many factors, known and unknown. The future is rarely a simple extrapolation from the present.

In this important book, John Urry seeks to capture the many efforts that have been made to anticipate, visualize and elaborate the future. This includes examining the methods used to model the future, from those of the RAND Corporation to imagined future worlds in philosophy, literature, art, film, TV and computer games. He shows that futures are often contested and saturated with different interests, especially in relation to future generations. He also shows how analyses of social institutions, practices and lives should be central to examining potential futures, and issues such as who owns the future.

The future seems to be characterized by 'wicked problems'. There are multiple 'causes' and 'solutions', long-term lock-ins and complex interdependencies, and different social groups have radically different frames for understanding what is at stake. Urry explores these issues through case-studies of 3D printing and the future of manufacturing, mobilities in the city, and the futures of energy and climate change.

More books from Wiley

Cover of the book Discovering Knowledge in Data by John Urry
Cover of the book Essential Practical NMR for Organic Chemistry by John Urry
Cover of the book Right on the Money by John Urry
Cover of the book Assessment Clear and Simple by John Urry
Cover of the book Celebrity by John Urry
Cover of the book Student Success in College by John Urry
Cover of the book Organic Synthesis by John Urry
Cover of the book Project Manager's Spotlight on Risk Management by John Urry
Cover of the book RF Circuit Design by John Urry
Cover of the book Surface Modification of Nanoparticle and Natural Fiber Fillers by John Urry
Cover of the book Fundamentals of Ornamental Fish Health by John Urry
Cover of the book Geomorphology of Upland Peat by John Urry
Cover of the book The Importance of Religion by John Urry
Cover of the book Web Design All-in-One For Dummies by John Urry
Cover of the book Lighting Digital Field Guide by John Urry
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy