Title: The Philosophy of Futures Studies
Subtitle: Ontology, Epistemology, and Ethics for Foresight Practice
Subject Classification:  Philosophy, Society and Culture, Research  
BIC Classification: HPQ, HPD
BISAC Classification: SOC032000, PHI005000, PHI006000
Binding: Hardback, eBook
Planned publication date: Aug 2026
ISBN (Hardback): 978-1-83711-938-7
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-83711-939-4

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Description

While futures studies and foresight are increasingly influential in academia, policy, and industry, the field has long lacked a unified and rigorous philosophical foundation. Discussions of its core principles remain scattered, leaving both scholars and practitioners without a coherent framework for their work. This important book, *The Philosophy of Futures Studies*, systematically addresses this gap in the literature. Drawing on extensive research, the authors provide the first comprehensive treatment of the ontology, epistemology, and ethics of foresight. The book confronts fundamental questions: What is the nature of the future we study? How can we claim to have knowledge of what is yet to come? And what are the responsibilities of those who seek to shape it? By establishing clear philosophical groundings, this work offers a useful resource for academics in futures studies, foresight experts, and strategic planners.

Biography

Author(s):  Dr Veli Virmajoki is a Senior Researcher, Finland Futures Research Centre, University of Turku, Finland. Dr Sirkka Heinonen has been with Finland Futures Research Centre, University of Turku as professor of Futures Studies since 2007. She has 40 years’ experience of research and teaching in futures studies, especially on technology foresight and innovations, urban and rural futures, housing, work, and lifestyles, as well as futures policy, and methods.

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