What is Future: Definition and 784 Discussions

The future is the time after the present. Its arrival is considered inevitable due to the existence of time and the laws of physics. Due to the apparent nature of reality and the unavoidability of the future, everything that currently exists and will exist can be categorized as either permanent, meaning that it will exist forever, or temporary, meaning that it will end. In the Occidental view, which uses a linear conception of time, the future is the portion of the projected timeline that is anticipated to occur. In special relativity, the future is considered absolute future, or the future light cone.In the philosophy of time, presentism is the belief that only the present exists and the future and the past are unreal. Religions consider the future when they address issues such as karma, life after death, and eschatologies that study what the end of time and the end of the world will be. Religious figures such as prophets and diviners have claimed to see into the future.
Future studies, or futurology, is the science, art, and practice of postulating possible futures. Modern practitioners stress the importance of alternative and plural futures, rather than one monolithic future, and the limitations of prediction and probability, versus the creation of possible and preferable futures. Predeterminism is the belief that the past, present, and future have been already decided.
The concept of the future has been explored extensively in cultural production, including art movements and genres devoted entirely to its elucidation, such as the 20th-century movement futurism.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. mark!

    I Could life on Earth survive the far future?

    I've read here the following: "Currently, the Moon is moving away from Earth at a rate of 4 cm (1.5 inches) per year. In 50 billion years, if the Earth and Moon are not engulfed by the Sun, they will become tidelocked into a larger, stable orbit, with each showing only one face to the other"...
  2. S

    I How could a quantum system "predict the future"?

    What is nonlocality? How could a quantum system (like a superposition - is that right?) "know" an interaction will take place? Source...
  3. S

    Job Skills Future Mechanical Engineering Domains

    Hi, Which technology specializations within the mechanical engineering domain will be most demanded in the future? (I am looking for different technologies rather than for applications enabled by the technology. For example not 'robotics', but rather the technologies used for robotics) Thanks...
  4. morrobay

    B Obtaining a Future Numbers Increase With Exponent From Past Increase

    Suppose on day-one a number is 15 then on day-twenty the number has increased to 200. Now I want to find out what that increasing number could be on day-forty by using the exponent derived from the day- one to day-twenty increase ; x(log15) = log 200 . x = 2.301/1.176 = 1.956. So now on day...
  5. arivero

    I Meagre cows and future searches

    https://arxiv.org/abs/2001.04770 intends to collect available data on searches for scalar resonances at LHC, and I think it could be useful to have a thread to collect such kind of preprints, either for scalar or other particles.
  6. sleepinginsomnia

    Physics Considering a Physics PhD and my future

    Hi all. I'm having some trouble formulating my thoughts and what I should consider for my future going forwards. I'm a Mphys graduate and my masters project was in Astrophysics.(FYI I am in the uk and can't leave Leeds for a few years because of family issues) So I graduated from uni back in...
  7. jedishrfu

    What insights can the Kidd Lab provide for creators of neural networks?

    VentureBEat interviewed several AI lumimaries: https://venturebeat.com/2020/01/02/top-minds-in-machine-learning-predict-where-ai-is-going-in-2020/
  8. jtbell

    The future isn't what it used to be

    Nanobots, ape chauffeurs and flights to Pluto. The predictions for 2020 we got horribly wrong (cnn.com) And we still don't use flying cars to get to work. :cry:
  9. T

    My cloudy future as a physicist

    I wanted to dedicate my life to physics but I've come to a point in my life where it seems that my dreams are shattering... I'll not go into many details, I just wanted to share somewhere my concerns and perhaps get some advice. I always had an interest in science and when I was a kid I even...
  10. M

    Does anybody know of a blog that talks about speculative tech?

    I already watch Isaac Arthur but I want something I can read. Does anybody know of any ongoing blogs that discuss futuristic tech and science. Amateur and new blogs very much preferred.
  11. H

    Aircraft fitter/assembly -- Thoughts about future career path please

    Hey guys, I have a job offer as an aircraft fitter(assembler? technican?). My job duties will be: drilling, reaming, riveting, installing hi-locks, reading and interpreting drawings, assembling aircraft parts and other. Can you tell me is there a future in this job?. I'm afraid that robots will...
  12. TechieDork

    Physics Does the age of quantum computing mean a brighter future for physicists?

    The arrival of quantum computing reminds me of "the manhattan project" and "the sputnik alert" when physicists are highly demanded. And this makes me wonder if the age of quantum computing means the better future for physicists since the development of quantum computers needs at least...
  13. M

    Physics Physicist and Entrepreneurism in the Future

    Hello, I will do my best to keep my question brief. I love physics and mathematics, and before anything in my life I felt the need to commit to this degree to simply be happy in life as I feel the absolute need to further understand everything around me. I plan to eventually work for myself...
  14. M

    Would a giant orbital gravity battery be a good future power source?

    Gravity batteries intrigue me. We are starting to develop them now. We currently are able to drop cement blocks and harness the energy that the kinetic energy releases. We are considering them as an alternative energy source to help the environment. Here’s a link for those unfamiliar with it...
  15. M

    Which of these methods of propulsion is “best” for future spaceflight?

    Summary: Which of these hypothetical propulsion methods is the best for a spacecraft during Interplanetary flight? Let’s just assume all at this point are cost-effective at the time. Consider the •Safety of the engine •The speed •The efficiency 1.) Monoatomic hydrogen propulsion 2.)...
  16. X

    Fusion aerospace propulsion systems for the near future

    Let’s ditch chemical fuel (even like scramjet, aero spike and SABRE) and venture to the future, for only thus we can become a multiplanetary species, and establish a true interplanetary/interstellar transit system. For atmospheric ascent: 1.Fusion reactor (thermal power)+Thermal ramjet...
  17. X

    What and where to study in the future?

    Currently a high school student, I would like to know what subjects should I choose at VCE, plus what subjects will I study in which university? I would like to do with aerospace technology and nuclear fusion (or some people call it “nuclear physics specialist in fusion” ) related things for my...
  18. E

    A Future of the electron neutrino mass limits

    In five years also experiment KATRIN will give either the upper bound of electron neutrino mass (0,2 eV) or even the mass of the electron neutrino. https://www.katrin.kit.edu/ My question is, what we can expect from the astronomical and non-astronomical measurements to improve these data? I...
  19. AchillesWrathfulLove

    What is the future of energy?

    Do you think we have discovered all that there is to discover in terms of energy sources? Can we now only improve on these discovered energy sources like wind, solar, nuclear etc Is nuclear energy still a young thing where there is lots of room to improve? What about dark energy, can we harness...
  20. S

    I What is Earth's future warming due to the Sun's increasing luminosity?

    Obviously, at some point, the Sun will be a red giant, and it's going to be very, very hot on Earth. I'd like to know what the expected rise in temperature would be due solely to the Sun, while holding the composition of the Earth's atmosphere constant - or at least constant except for the gas...
  21. M

    Isaac Arthur “Things that Shall Never Exist”?

    Isaac Arthur is an awesome science populizer and futurist. On August 22nd, his channel is premiering it’s 200th episode titled “Things Which Shall Never Exist”. He will be talking about things that will never be possible to be created. Arthur is pretty optimistic about technology. He predicts we...
  22. L

    A Construct BMS Coordinates near Null Infinity

    Let us consider Ashtekar's definition of asymptotic flatness at null infinity: I want to see how to construct the so-called Bondi coordinates ##(u,r,x^A)## in a neighborhood of ##\mathcal{I}^+## out of this definition. In fact, a distinct approach to asymptotic flatness already starts with...
  23. A

    Has Anyone read "Physics For Future Presidents"?

    I met a physics professor at my college, who recommended this book to me for an easy read. If your interested in how knowledge of physics and chemistry are interwoven in politics and current issues, then you would like this book. I think I bought it for $3 on eBay.
  24. K

    B Will graphene become a wonder material for future inventions?

    I want to know more about upcoming revolutions
  25. K

    Physics AI in Physics: A Promising Future for Academia?

    Hello! I see more and more papers that use AI for physics analysis or to find approximate solutions that would otherwise be impossible or very slow to find. What do you think is the future for AI in physics on long term. Do you think it would become a field on its own within physics? Would it...
  26. J

    Studying Advice on Future-Technology Engineering

    Hi, I am currently an undergrad student exploring different fields of engineering. I find that there are so many fields to choose from, it is as much astonishing as it is bewildering. What I would like to do is work on building the technologies of the future. Specifically, I am interested in...
  27. Hawkingo

    Stephen Hawking predicted the future of mankind

    Well known scientist professor Stephen Hawking had predicted the possibility that genetic modification can give birth to superhumans that could destroy the rest of humanity. The essays, published in the Sunday Times, were written in preparation for a book that will be published on Tuesday. Read...
  28. RandyD123

    B Time Travel into the Future: What Would Be the Reason?

    Although we can't technically do this currently, what if we could? What would be a reason to send a person on a mission into the future? If Bob travels at near the speed of light from Earth for let's say 5 years and then returns to see Alice. Alice has, and in fact the entire population of Earth...
  29. P

    Future of the Atmosphere W/Unregulated Pollution?

    In a future (100, 500, and 1000 years in the future specifically) where industrial and domestic pollution is totally unregulated, what does the composition of the atmosphere look like? And what do weather systems look like? I know this is an extremely broad question, I'm just looking for a few...
  30. MichaelJT

    Admissions 2:2 from UK Uni, Masters in my future?

    This year 18/19 I will be graduating in December/January with a 2:2 in Physics from QUB in NI. I would absolutely love to have further research/academia in my future physics career. I would like some advice from a UK or ROI based masters students (preferably on the island of Ireland) or anyone...
  31. José Ricardo

    Post with wireless electricity is it possible?

    A post, each which connected without a wire, is it possible in a brief future?
  32. L

    Physics Looking For Research Experience in the future

    Hi all, I am a coming Year 4 Student majoring in physics in Asia. I started to think about my career path in the coming year, one thing for sure is that I would definitely go for a M.Phil Degree in my school that I am studying at right now. I have been thinking to go for PhD at oversea, such as...
  33. E

    What does the future hold for data science in light of privacy concerns?

    What do you think the future of data science would be, given the increasing privacy concern of collecting and sharing users data?
  34. Tyler R

    Courses If you were me, how would you approach my future?

    I currently have a job as a University Helpdesk / Jr. Network Engineer and it is very chill at 29 hours a week. I have been in university for over 5 years now (switched major from IT to computer engineering) and I want to get my degree finished. I have saved up enough money to go to school...
  35. G

    Blimps of the Future: Vacuum-Filled Balloons & Reliable Journeys

    I wonder could blimps come back if they arent filled with explosive hydrogen, neither with rare helium, but simply with vacuum, the lightest substance? Theoretically its possible to expand their balloons electromagnetically. According to TV tropes, square cube law don't affect blimps so hard as...
  36. Voq

    End of Moore's Law? Future of Transistors & Computing Tech

    What are indications for future development of transistors and general computing technology design with the Moore's law in mind? Are we going to redesign architecture for better efficiency and what future brings?
  37. AD MCFC

    A The Future of "Soft Matter Physics"

    Hi all, I am trying to learn more about this field. Whether you work or have worked in this area or not, I would like to know where Soft Matter is going in terms of theory and applications. Thanks, A.D. *I apologize in advance if there are already many threads specifically addressing this...
  38. G

    Studying Self-Studying Scientific Computing for future graduate study

    I like to start a graduate program in scientific computing within the next 4-5 years, once my kids are a little older, my wife finishes her degree, and I have more money saved. In the meantime, I’m not going to waste time. Using the MIT challenge completed by Scott Young as inspiration, I’ve...
  39. G

    Weapons of the future in Sci-Fi

    I wonder, do you know any book, or film, that don't just stick to modern, or WWII warfare, when imagine the battlefields of future? Sure energy shields are cool, but they are simply some super armor. Personally i like mechas (although i think they shouldn't be that big) and i can see a role for...
  40. T

    Future fields of employment that will grow rapidly

    What fields in the future do you see blowing up? Will all the automated truck drivers and grocery clerks become software engineers? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.
  41. Biscuit

    Physics Unsure of my future in physics

    Before you read this I must make a request that you read the whole thing if you start because my thoughts may be disorganized or there may be at least one part you find you could respond to. thank you! I'm not too sure if this is the right place to post, but I'm proceeding regardless. I love...
  42. P

    Where will Hawking stand in the future?

    I was discussing this with my class just the other day and now the sad news has come out, I was wondering where everybody thinks Hawking stands and where he will stand in 100 or even 200 years? Will he be as widely known as Newton, Maxwell, and Einstein? Will his research and discoveries be as...
  43. C

    Medical Is the Future of Medicine Already Here?

    Anywho, I'm posting today to let you guys know what I'm thinking about. Mainly the future of medical science. I got the idea by reading a new kind of science by Wolfram, some genetics stuff, some stem cell stuff, developmental bio and chaos and fractals as well as using what I already knew...
  44. Grands

    What would you like to do in your future?

    Hi guys. Do you have any dream that you never realized? Mine is to travel around the world and not only to visit different cultures, but to life in the way those people live, and maybe have one day the possibility to create a Tv show about it, about how different are the habits of people around...
  45. stevendaryl

    I Using Black Holes to Time Travel Into the Future

    This is a possible science-fiction scenario, and I'm wondering if it is scientifically plausible. If someone wanted to take a one-way trip into future, say 1000 years from now, then SR gives you a possible way to do it without dying of old age: Just hop in a rocket ship, accelerate to nearly...
  46. bhobba

    Are People Realizing That Science And Math Is Our Future?

    I was watching a panel discussion program about the future of education and shockingly everyone agreed the future lies in studying more math based subjects - its vital. Of course those that frequent here know its true. But now another shock. The Australian, Young Australian and Senior...
  47. Curiose

    A Question: A novel set in the future

    I have been writing this science fiction novel in the form of a blog so that I can get feedback. It's based on the direction that technology is progressing on a whole, but in a "distant" future when we basically Ray Kurzweil got his way, but it didn't turn out exactly how he predicted. Chapter...
  48. anorlunda

    Future Technology: Helpful or Harmful?

    Let me recommend http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks/ The Forum on Risks to the Public in Computers and Related Systems, ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy, Peter G. Neumann, moderator. I've been following it since 1995. It is not really a forum like PF, but rather a newsletter. It is...
  49. A

    Other Questioning future plans & low grades this semester

    Hello Physics Forums members, I've had a somewhat rough semester. My sister had a lot of medical issues pop up and I wasn't able to pay enough attention to my classes as I'd have liked. I'm actually pre-med, and was enrolled in organic chemistry. Flatly, the current best-case scenario for...
  50. ISamson

    Poll: Will AI mark the end of humans and Earth?

    Do you think AI will lead to the end of humanity, Earth, or help us colonise the Universe and prosper? Will technology and robots kill us all? I found the interest in posting this poll after reading some quotes from Stephen Hawking on the topic. Poll. Thank you.
Back
Top