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XIII Readings on the Future
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Our view of the future depends
largely on our view of the past and the present. If we believe the emergence of the
culture of capitalism has succeeded in solving many of the problems of the world and
bettering our lives, then we will no doubt believe that it continue to do so in the
future. If we believe the culture of capitalism is responsible for most of the problems,
then we can only conclude that they will continue to accumulate. |
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following selections will allow you to examine some projections for the future and even
take a stab at making changes yourself. |
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Reading 1. Towards a Praxis of World
Integration
http://csf.colorado.edu/wsystems/jwsr/vol2/v2_n2.htm |
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In the article, W. Warren Wagar
summarizes his book on global futures. He warns against the continuing
development of the "global shopping center," and the problems that it creates,
but warns against putting much hope in existing antisystemic movements. Instead, he
says, there must be some integration among progressive groups and institutions to build a
transnational party. |
Exercise 1. Which World?
http://mars3.gps.caltech.edu/whichworld//index.html |
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This is the companion site to
Allen Hammond’s book of the same name. It provides a resource for
examining the global future of demographic, economic, environmental, and
socio-political issues. You can examine graphs and charts of critical statistical trends
projected to the year 2050, as well as projected future conditions for seven major regions
of the world. Also included at the site are three global scenarios that offer alternative
views of the world’s future. You might want to begin with the tour of projected
environmental conditions. |
Exercise 2. World Game Institute
http://www.libertynet.org/~wgi/index.html |
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Why don't you see what
you can do about creating a better future. Go to the World Game Institute and their
simulation, and see how many of the world's problems you can solve. |
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Additional Resources on Futuristic
Scenarios |
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