Customer Reviews

Foundations of Futures Studies: Values, Objectivity, and the Good Society : Human Science for a New Era (Vol. 2)

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In the book, Foundations of Future Studies, Vol. 2, Wendell Bell examines "the ethical foundations of futures studies." Because "a great deal of scientific research is directed at creating knowledge not as an end in itself but as a means for solving practical problems or achieving other valued ends," he shows concern for "ethics, morality and human values...[in] proposing preferable futures." He asks his audience, what is a good society and how can we know that it is good?

Bell develops a guide for practical strategies in judging and determining what is a good and desirable future. These strategies include examining the law, assessing religion, and obtaining collective judgments of relevant group members. Because "principals of morality- including a set of core values- are largely the same in all societies and culture," futures researchers can use these guidelines and values to "decide what things, events, arrangements, actions, and consequences are better than others."

Concluding remarks on this book:
As a beginning researcher in the field of futures studies, this book captured my attention and gave a deeper understanding on the importance of ethical and morality issues in proposing alternative futures. By using these guidelines on ethics and morality, I can continue to examine what is a good society and "defend or question judgments of the `good'."