Values and future's research

Abstract

The relationship of values to the future is a question that has not been given the attention it deserves. Surprise-free alternatives are the standard kinds of short term forecasts and all too often the basis for long term forecasts. This means nothing important will change enough to affect the present trends and there will be no new revolutionary inventions or attitudinal changes in the public of any significance. Technological forecasting is the half of the equation used for most forecasts of change. Public values and what they will be in the future are seldom forecast, yet they have much to do with how change takes place and is accepted. It is to the problem of value change that this paper will address itself.