Ereignis Center for Philosophy and the Arts Foundations of Future Studies I: Hope, Apocalypse, and the Future cover photo

Foundations of Future Studies I: Hope, Apocalypse, and the Future

Instructors: Dr Zachary Isrow and Dr Frank Karioris

Intensive course

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Full access €400,00

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Register by 2 October 2026

First seminar: 3 October 2026

This course is part of the learning module 2026-II Ereignis Institute. Registration and full overview are available on the module page.

Learning module details
Why should we care about the future? From climate change and artificial intelligence to existential risk and social transformation, contemporary challenges increasingly require long-term thinking. This interdisciplinary introduction to Future Studies explores how philosophers, historians, social theorists, and futurists have understood humanity’s relationship to tomorrow. Students will examine ideas of progress, decline, hope, responsibility, and uncertainty while considering what obligations we owe future generations. Through discussion and reflection, participants will develop a foundation for thinking critically and ethically about the future.

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By the end of the module students will be able to:
  • Explain the emergence and purpose of Future Studies as a field.
  • Identify major philosophical perspectives on the future.
  • Analyze ethical responsibilities to future generations.
  • Critically evaluate narratives of progress, decline, and apocalypse.
  • Apply Futures thinking to contemporary social challenges.

No prior knowledge is required. Students should have an interest in contemporary social issues, philosophy, ethics, politics, environmental questions, technology, or public policy.

This course is intended for:
  • Undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline.
  • Professionals interested in long-term thinking.
  • Students considering further study in Future Studies.
  • Individuals interested in ethics, sustainability, technology, or social change.

  • What is Future Studies?
  • Forecasting, foresight, and futures
  • Historical emergence of the field

Students will:

  • Define Future Studies.
  • Distinguish between prediction and futures thinking.
  • Identify major developments in the field.

  • Enlightenment ideas of progress
  • Declinism and collapse narratives
  • Climate anxiety and existential risk

Students will:

  • Compare narratives of progress and decline.
  • Analyze contemporary fears about the future.
  • Evaluate assumptions underlying future visions.

  • Hope as a social force
  • Future generations
  • Long-term responsibility

Students will:

  • Explain major theories of hope.
  • Evaluate ethical obligations to future persons.
  • Apply responsibility frameworks to real-world problems.

  • Futures literacy
  • Choosing a future challenge
  • Applying futures thinking

Students will:

  • Identify future-oriented challenges.
  • Formulate Futures questions.
  • Develop a preliminary future responsibility analysis.

Reading list

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