The Intersection of Ethics and Futures Studies: Challenges and Solutions

Futures studies, as an interdisciplinary science in scenario design, require ethical frameworks to prevent unjust consequences and guide macro trends. The present study, with the aim of explaining the position of ethics in futures studies and analyzing the challenges associated with it, uses a descriptive-analytical approach and, relying on a conceptual analysis of theoretical literature and reliable documents, examines the confrontation of consequentialist, duty-based, and virtue-based ethical theories with alternative futures. The research findings show that the lack of an ethical approach in macro predictions can lead to strategic errors in national and global policymaking. The analyses also indicate that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate engineering, without relying on responsible futures studies, increase risks such as the intensification of social inequalities, violations of human rights, and environmental crises. In this regard, the concept of intergenerational justice was identified as a key pillar in sustainable decision-making. Finally, the research concludes that integrating the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability with futures research methods, as a moral imperative, is a prerequisite for achieving a sustainable and humane future.

کلیدواژه ها:

Futures studies ، Ethics ، Incorrect Predictions ، Emerging technologies ، Intergenerational justice