Futures Thinking for Social Foresight

Richard A Slaughter with Marcus Bussey

This downloadable PDF publication provides teachers and students with a practical overview of futures studies. It also acts as a source book for teachers and others looking for activities and material that will help to develop futures literacy in their students. The long-term goal is that of creating social foresight. To these ends it offers a tapestry of sections that weave patterns via ideas and practical action. There are five main sections:

1. Mapping Futures Studies – Key concepts
2. Context and Applications
3. Futures Concepts and Related Techniques
4. Methods
5. Futures Thinking for Social Foresight

In addition to these practical and user-friendly sections, there are a number of ‘reflections’ or short pieces that invite deeper consideration. In addition there are numerous diagrams and figures, many of which have been produced especially for this publication.

Overall, Futures Thinking for Social Foresight provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to, and overview of, some of the best thinking and most accessible options available in futures studies and applied foresight. It can be used with students of all ages. Also available in CD-ROM format and as five separate PDF files for ready classroom use.