Knowledge Project 5

Title: Futurology with Rose Eveleth
Name of Episode: Ologies Podcast
Date of Episode: January 7, 2020
Topics/Issues Considered:
- The study of futurology or future studies
- Various aspects of futurism including technology, societal changes, and ethical considerations
- The history of futurology and its evolution
- Gender issues and the rise of non-binary recognition
- Climate change and its societal impact
- Animal rights and the evolving understanding of animal intelligence
- The influence of technology on personal lives and privacy
- The role of science fiction in shaping perceptions of the future

Central Argument/Ideas:
This episode explores the concept of futurology, discussing how the study of the future extends beyond just technological predictions to encompass social, ethical, and cultural changes. Rose Eveleth, a professional futurologist, provides insights into various future scenarios. She discusses the evolution of futurology, from its early stages of prophecy and divination to its current form, which considers possible, probable, and preferable futures. The episode also touches upon how the perception of the future often reflects the present societal norms and anxieties, such as the role of women in society as depicted in past futuristic predictions. Furthermore, it delves into the potential societal shifts in areas like gender identity, climate change activism, and animal rights, highlighting the importance of these issues in shaping future societies. Eveleth emphasizes the need to consider diverse perspectives and experiences in futurology, recognizing that the future is not predetermined and is shaped by our current actions and decisions.

Reflection:
This episode stands out for its comprehensive approach to futurology, extending beyond typical technological advancements. It serves as a reminder that the future is not just about gadgets and AI but also about how society evolves and adapts. The discussions on gender fluidity and the increasing awareness of climate change among the youth highlight a shift in societal values and priorities. Additionally, the conversation about animal rights and the potential future implications of our current treatment of animals raises thought-provoking ethical questions. Eveleth's perspective on the future as not just a destination but a reflection of our present choices is particularly striking. It underscores the idea that while we can't predict the future with certainty, we can influence its direction through our actions today. The episode effectively balances optimism for the future with a realistic acknowledgement of current challenges, encouraging listeners to be proactive in shaping the world they want to live in.

In summary, the "Futurology with Rose Eveleth" episode of the Ologies Podcast offers a multifaceted look at the future, discussing not only technological advancements but also significant societal and ethical considerations. It emphasizes the role of current actions in shaping the future and encourages a more inclusive and diverse approach to futurology.

Important quotes

  1. On the Nature of Futurology: "Futurology. Very much a thing in a scholarly sense and it’s also called future studies sometimes futurism although we’re gonna talk more with this week’s guest about that. But it’s the study of possible, probable and preferable futures. So it’s a social science like history but the gearshift goes forward rather than in reverse"​​.

  2. On Social Changes in the Future: "I think that and this is an unpopular answer given that I live in Berkeley which is in tech central kind of area but I think it's social stuff that's going to change the most. I think right now we're seeing a really awesome moment with like gender for example where people are sort of like… we're finally realizing in the more popular culture that gender is not binary and that people have different options and it's more acceptable to kind of talk about those questions"​​.