EP 170: FuturePod Conversations - Riel Miller and Maree Conway
Oct 24, 2023
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Riel Miller and Maree Conway discuss the challenge of uncertainty and complexity, the importance of a strong theoretical foundation in future studies, the role of imagination in future thinking, embracing diverse futures and ways of knowing, and embracing uncertainty and acting in the present.
A strong theoretical foundation in future studies can provide an overarching language for the field and allow for the study of the sources and origins of human imagination, highlighting the concept of anticipatory systems and processes as a crucial direction for future studies.
The dominant approach to futures thinking, focused on control and conquering the future, restricts our perception of the present and limits our engagement with uncertainty and complexity, emphasizing the importance of cracking open our thinking and exploring new ways of understanding and engaging with the future.
Deep dives
The importance of a strong theoretical foundation in future studies
In this podcast episode, Riel Miller and Marie Conway discuss the need for a strong theoretical foundation in future studies. They emphasize that despite the salience and importance of thinking about the future, the futures field has had limited success in gaining traction and influence. They argue that a strong theoretical foundation can provide an overarching language for the field and allow for the study of the sources and origins of human imagination. They propose the concept of anticipatory systems and processes as a crucial direction for future studies, highlighting the need to move beyond focusing solely on scenarios and visions and instead understand the role of imagination in perception and choice. They also recognize the importance of building futures literacy and cultivating futures consciousness in society.
Challenging the current dominant approach to futures thinking
Riel and Marie critique the current dominant approach to futures thinking, which they describe as being focused on control and conquering the future. They suggest that this approach creates fragility and brittleness and limits our perception of the present by confining our imagination to predetermined, controlled futures. They express concern about the excessive focus on processes and methodologies, such as strategic planning and scenario planning, and argue for the need to focus on expanding our thinking and embracing uncertainty and complexity in organizations. They emphasize the importance of cracking open our thinking and exploring new ways of understanding and engaging with the future.
The importance of assumptions and consciousness in futures thinking
Marie highlights the critical role of assumptions in shaping our imaginations and constraining our futures thinking. She stresses the need for individuals and organizations to become aware of and challenge their assumptions about the future. She discusses the idea of reframing the present instead of trying to control the future, emphasizing the role of conscious foresight use in identifying and examining the assumptions that underpin our imaginations. She suggests that by reframing our thinking and perceptions, we can find new actions and create meaningful change in the world. Riel adds that understanding the diverse ways of knowing the future, beyond just probable and preferable futures, can lead to a more agile and improvisational approach to futures thinking.
Opening up futures thinking to diverse perspectives
Riel and Marie discuss the need to open up futures thinking to diverse perspectives and ways of knowing. They highlight the importance of indigenous ways of knowing and living, as well as other cultural perspectives, in shaping futures thinking. They suggest that the dominant Western perspective in futures thinking is starting to fray, allowing for the influence of other epistemologies. They emphasize the need for a more cohesive and inclusive futures field that encompasses different cultural backgrounds and embraces ontological expansion. They also discuss the potential of art, design, and cultural approaches to engage people in conversations about their desired futures and enhance futures consciousness in society.
Riel Miller and Maree Conway discuss how we find and promote the crack in thinking so that people can open towards complexity and uncertainty and help them think differently to find emerging futures?
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