FARSIGHT Macrofutures, Myths, and Metaphors w/ Sohail Inayatullah
Sep 15, 2025
Sohail Inayatullah, a Professor at Tamkang University and UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies, explores the intricate relationship between language, narratives, and the future. He discusses Causal Layered Analysis, a method for uncovering societal assumptions and envisioning alternatives, especially in light of AI's influence on creativity. The conversation delves into macro history's impact on future perspectives, the evolution of futurism towards inclusivity, and the importance of citizen engagement in shaping sustainable futures.
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CLA Reveals Hidden Futures Layers
- Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) digs beneath headlines into litany, systems, worldviews, and myths.
- It uncovers hidden assumptions shaping how we imagine and create futures.
How Sohail Found Futures Studies
- Sohail discovered futures studies in Hawaii after reading Renaissance Universal and taking Jim Dator's courses.
- He found futures thinking revealed inevitable change and new possibilities beyond geopolitics.
The e‑Buddha Metaphor For ICT
- In Cambodia a national ICT workshop produced the metaphor 'e-Buddha' to describe seamless, friendly digital services.
- The cultural metaphor immediately conveyed the desired system qualities without lengthy explanation.