Planet Eaters or Star Makers?

Abstract

For the author, the avocation of futures studies has been a personal journey, which he describes in this article. He then posits a conundrum: the possibility of humanity's role in its own destruction, on one hand, or human transcendence, on the other hand (planet eaters or star makers). The roles of driving forces and theories of social change are emphasized, especially the role of technology innovation in social change. Other “tsunamis of change” are discussed, including economic and environmental change and the status of women. The author's focus on alternative futures methodologies is covered in some detail, in particular, popular societal images of the future. His preference for either a “sane, humane, and ecological” future or a high-tech future is described. The author concludes with a discussion of the changing nature of higher education students and the challenges facing both education and the human species.