From the dawn of time human beings have wanted to know what the future holds in store. How have humans tried to predict the future, and why have our methods changed so dramatically over time? This fascinating course explores the evolving worldviews that have shaped humanity’s attempts to understand what lies ahead, from the stars of ancient Babylonia to the rise of artificial intelligence. Along the way, you will examine astrology, divination, prophecy, imaginative literature, scientific forecasting, statistics, probability, and modern futurology, discovering how each reflects the beliefs, knowledge, and uncertainties of its era.

Through engaging case studies and real-world examples, you will investigate techniques as diverse as astrological prediction and financial forecasting, assessing how and why people place trust in them. You will explore the work of superforecasters, examine predictions about the future of our planet, and consider the transformative impact of AI on forecasting and decision-making.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Glenn Adamson, A Century of Tomorrows, Bloomsbury, ISBN: 9781639730230
• Bertrand de Jouvenal, The Art of Conjecture, Routledge ISBN: 9781412847483
• Walter A Friedman, The Fortune Tellers, Princeton University Press: ISBN 9780691159119
• Roslynn Haynes, H G Wells: Discoverer of the Future: ISBN 9780333271865
• S. J. Tester, A History of Western Astrology, Ballantine Books: ISBN 0345358708.

COURSE OUTLINE

• The origins of astrology in ancient Babylonia
• Divination and prophecy
• Imaginative literature and the future
• Futurology and the fate of the planet
• Scientific predictions: statistics and probability
• Superforecasters
• The rise of AI and the future

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the shifting world views that have changed the way we attempt to foretell the future
• Explain the concepts underlying techniques as diverse as astrology and financial forecasting
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the various techniques that have been used to make predictions
• Understand the limitations around various forecasting techniques
• Critically assess futurological predictions