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.

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  1. W

    Mars in Future: What's Ahead 1-3 Billion Years?

    I been wondering something. What would Mars be like in the next 1-3 billion years. As I understand Mars has CO2 and other gases in the polar ice caps and in the Martian soil. So would the increase of the suns heat sublime the polar caps and release gases buried in the Martian soil to temporarily...
  2. M

    Where do you think tech is headed in the near future?

    Where doing think research into new technologies is headed in the near future? Some people say it will be nanotechnology/ material science and energy as these will have more practical applications than any other kind of scientific research. Do you agree? PS: made a mistake in the title :(
  3. U

    What's the future of Philosophy?

    I get the feeling that much of the time, philosophers discuss things that make claims about our reality and how it works. I'm of the opinion that claims made about the natural world that can't be tested are a bit irrelevant, so I typically ignore them. It seems though, throughout the history of...
  4. N

    Question about emailing future advisor.

    So I will be starting my Phd program in three weeks as a graduate intern. I was thinking of emailing my advisor with basic questions such as what I should be reading up on, relevant papers, what he would like me to get started on once I get there. However, I am worried that it will be...
  5. K

    The potential future of Heavy Ion Fusion?

    I'd like to know what people think of this as a future power source, what the benefits and the problems are etc. I'll probably watch this tonight: Here also is an interesting website which has some experiments linked: http://hif.lbl.gov/VNLresearch.html So many ways of approaching...
  6. B

    How can I survive the future if I have language disorder?

    Hello, I was diagnosed with language disorder(learning disability) since I was a kindergarten. I am having a lot of trouble with reading and writing, and also have poor communication skills when it comes to meet people in general. It also affects my schoolwork no matter what subject I'm...
  7. D

    What is the Future of Theoretical Physics and How Can I Make a Living Out of It?

    Okay Hello Forum Im a student in high school atm and I am extremely passionate about Mathematics(pure and computational) and Theoretical Physics I may be young and ambitious and whatnot at this point of my life but I'd really love some feedback to guide me on a clearer path... so I wanted...
  8. J

    Writing: Input Wanted Future travel with the tachyon field

    Is it possible at all to merge with the tachyon field for a while to obtain FTL travel. Or do I have to go back to the good old standard warp drive?
  9. O

    Is the future just an illusion in the block universe model?

    Firstly, I’m not a mathematician. My understanding of Einstein’s theories comes from popular science books (Cox, Greene, Gardner) so this is at the level of the ‘block universe’ model (or Brian Greene’s loaf, if that’s more familiar) and spacemen flying around the universe. So, on the face of it...
  10. T

    Preparations for a future Job [First post]

    Hello there people of the Physics Forum realm, My name is [Content secured]. I will tell you, however, that I am 14 years old and am looking into the future. Since sixth grade I dreamed of becoming a Theoretical Physicist or a Physicist for NASA. I'm seeking guidance for help on what to...
  11. T

    Is predicting the future with Quantum Erasure possible?

    Hi I tried to post this before but it got messed up. hopefully it doesn't post twice. I'm new to this forum and signed up just to ask this question. I have just read this website and it has helped me to understand the basic problems of quantum mechanics. After thinking about the quantum erasure...
  12. P

    Annuity investment, find future value

    Homework Statement (attached) Homework Equations Sn = (a(1-r^n))/(1-r) The Attempt at a Solution This was my attempt, but I think I've done this wrong. I'm not really sure how to account for the fact that the payments are made at the end of the year. Unless that means I would act...
  13. Square1

    Future of Energy: Nuclear Power in Space?

    I've just been thinking lately about reasons to explore space, and Mars in particular, and what could be the most immediate applications of doing so. Putting nuclear power plants on Mars was something I was thinking about. We don't want the hazards of these things on Earth, but we are looking...
  14. M

    The future methods of generating electricity?

    Two main methods of generating electricity that I know off, and that are common: 1 ) Magnets & Coils 2 ) Solar cells. The only two methods! What do you all think are the possibile future methods? Are we close? Is there something you recommend me of look at? I was just thinking of how...
  15. B

    Can Mirrors Create a Window to See into the Past?

    Let's say theoretically we can setup a perfect environment with two mirrors at a great distance apart. The distance is great enough to allow light to reflect off one mirror and not reach the other mirror until a full minute has elapsed. Could this in "theory" create a window to see one minute...
  16. N

    The future of Radio Astronomy (your thoughts)

    "The future of Radio Astronomy" (your thoughts) Hello all, I'm doing an extended project on "the future of radio astronomy". And I would like to know people's opinions on the "future of radio astronomy" and what advancements the field of radio astronomy is expected to make in the future...
  17. I

    Series and Future Stock Prices

    Homework Statement I have a question here that seems so simple, yet I can't seem to wrap my head around what they're asking. It says that one method of pricing a stock is to set the share price equal to the sum of all future dividends for infinitely many years, with dividends discounted to...
  18. B

    Engineering Making up my mind for engineering and my future career.

    I have been at battle with myself for the past year trying to find myself and find what it is that really fires me up inside. I recently got interested in engineering. More specifically mechanical engineering. I have two friends, one a Chem E and the other Mech E. The ME loves his job and works...
  19. S

    Math self study advice for future physics self study

    I'm going into a career that is heavily based in physics and I'd like to be able to read the original source material for the physics involved. However, calculus was many, many years ago for me. So, to understand and learn radiation physics, and eventually quantum mechanics, my understanding...
  20. V

    Chemistry Special Branches of Physics & Chemistry that have scope in the future.

    I require some guidance on my career. My school offers a very vague stream sellection in the senior secondary section(Grade 11). I do wish to specialise in Physics or Chemistry as these subjects interest me quite a lot. To do so I must opt for the 'Science with Computer Science Group) at school...
  21. T

    Future Human intelligence: Superhuman

    I have watched next world'' Future Superhuman" and they shown what abilities and powers the human being will have in the future. They showned Telepathic communication and what it show is that we will speak to machines and make telepathic calls. Getting smarter was interesting. Digital eye...
  22. S

    My Grades & Future: What to Do Now?

    Hi, I just finished my first semester of my sophomore year and I'm quite worried about my current mathematics grades (I am a math major), and a possible future in math. Calculus III - B Ordinary Differential Equations - AB Linear Algebra C (Freshman, and really stupid) Not to make...
  23. B

    Future Energy Sources & Weapon Systems Ideas

    Hi everyone. I have a few ideas floating in my head for a story I would like to write. I have got nothing concrete yet so my story is still very flexible. First of all the story will take place in the nearish future, say in 80-120 years. First of all, I want some ideas of possible power...
  24. marellasunny

    Should I worry about the connect of my current job to my future career path?

    Hello all! I recently joined a environmental(ecology dept.) research institute as a mathematical modeller(JOB).I am by degree a automotive engineer with a passion for mathematics.I am still fresh out of graduate school but I eventually see myself as head for a automotive R&D business 4-5 years...
  25. S

    About predicting an event in future.

    we know anything can happen in future.but when future becomes past only one event has actually occurred. so the probability of any future event is 1/∞ that is zero. so technically the event that has happened cannot occur.how do i understand this.
  26. O

    I'm a bit concerned for my future.

    Hello, I'm a third year ME student, and I seem to have hit a major wall. I've been doing okay for a while, but now I'm struggling much more than I have been in the past. My GPA is dropping before me and even when I work hard, my exam grades tank. I'm a terrible test taker, and I feel it is...
  27. N

    Calculating Monthly Deposits for Future Annuity Goal

    Homework Statement Mike needs $12.000 in 5 years. How much must he deposit at the end of each month for 5 years in an account paying 2.9% compounded monthly so that he will have $12.000 in 5 years? Homework Equations FV formula: S=R*((1+i)^n -1)/i I think that is the correct...
  28. G

    Physics How to go further in physics and prepare for the future?

    Hi, I'm 15 years old, and I'm sure I want to be a physicist. I was wondering if I could get advice on what steps I should be taking right now. Should I start looking for internships? If so, what are good places to go in the U.S.? (Please don't just say NASA). Also, what's the whole internship...
  29. denjay

    What Does the Future Hold for Optics and Photonics?

    Right now, I am somewhat ignorant of the current developments in Optics/Photonics and as such have no clue on the what the future holds for the field. This is one of the fields I am considering for graduate school so the future of the field has a fair amount of weight in the decision to apply to...
  30. A

    Higgs boson and the future of quantum phyiscs

    Can anybody throw light on the following doubts? 1.what is the implication of the recent discovery of the higgs boson in the quantum physics? Does it support the quantum nature of matter and wave and the uncertainty principle? 2. It is said that Einstein did not accept the quantum theory...
  31. T

    Young Engineer wondering about future

    Hello, Im Mike. I am only 14 but I am deeply in love with mechanics and design. I just wanted to share my future plans and am wondering how possible this is. I am not sure if i should be posting this in the aerospace engineering forum but here it goes... My father is in the AirForce and has...
  32. A

    Understanding Past and Future Light Cones

    Hi, I've been reading A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and I've reached a section that discusses past and future light cones of an event. I'm finding it hard to understand what a light cone is. What is the past light cone and what is the future light cone? Thanks,
  33. X

    Logical proofs: Empirical evidence for constant gravity in the past and future

    Hello everyone. I'm a first time poster, but a long time lurker. I don't have a degree in physics, but I have always held the discipline and all its branches, near to my heart. A little background on the question. I got into an argument with a friend of mine about faith in religion and faith...
  34. C

    Is it Possible to Locate Earth's Future and Past Positions in the Starry Sky?

    Given a particular Earth latitude and longitude on a certain day (December 21, 2012), is it possible to know which direction to look into the starry sky to see future Earth (where it will be in exactly 1, 4, 9, whatever years)? If we know how Earth revolves around the sun and how the sun moves...
  35. V

    Nuclear engineering grad school advice and future

    I am from India and i have a bachelors in mechanical engineering. I have recently given my GRE and TOEFL with scores of 313/340 (161-quant & 152-verbal & 3.5-AWA) in gre & 110/120 in TOEFL. I am planning for MS and probably PHD in nuclear engineering. I am not interested in either hydraulics or...
  36. N

    Help Deciding future of physics education.

    I have been interested in majoring in physics since high school however, i have kinda had a crappy go of university thus far. I was treated like crap by my school and had 2 math/physics teachers depress me so bad that i basically gave up on the school. left after my first semester and went to a...
  37. T

    Programming language for computational science in future

    Hello everyone. Which programming language do you think will dominate the computational world in this decade and thereafter? I know so far Fortran is the King in computational physics, but was curious to know which other languages (like C++, Python, Java, etc.) are in the trend of dominating...
  38. F

    Can Sending Signals Through Time Help Predict the Future?

    I read somewhere that if you detect which slit a particle stream goes through in the double slit experiment that you will no longer get the fringe paterns associated with the double slit experiment. I'm told that as soon as you record the detection of which slit the particles enter you loose the...
  39. AnTiFreeze3

    The Possible Future of Online Education

    This website has been mentioned one or two times throughout the forum, never in detail, but only as a recommendation to somebody. The website is called Coursera, and it currently offers 111 courses (recently updated, and continues growing) from colleges like California Berkely, Caltech...
  40. J

    The future of the automotive industry and transport in the us?

    The future of the automotive industry and transport in the us? Why will Americans never fully take to rail? Because we are adventurers by nature. The people that came to this Country had adventure in their blood. We like our cars, and we like em big and fast. So then I tell you Rail is the...
  41. G

    Physics Guidance to a physics future thanks

    Hello every one, I do not know if this thread is in the right place, if it is not I can repost in appropriate place. I do not want to bother any admins or high users because of my error. I always had a passion for physics theoretic but never found myself good at math. Currently I am pushing...
  42. I

    Programs Which degree for a future entrepreneur?

    Hello people, I'm going to have to choose a major sometime soon, and I'm still not quite sure. Basically, I'm thinking about choosing between applied physics, business economics, and technological business management (more about that in a bit). One of my dreams - if you can call it that - is...
  43. B

    Engineering Navigating the Future of Circuits: Choosing an Engineering Path

    Hi, I'm planning to become an engineer and so far have narrowed my choices down to mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering. I do personal projects on my own time mostly involving circuits, but lately I have been troubled by the news of light replacing electricity in circuits(though I...
  44. C

    Is Theoretical Physics the Right Career Path for Me?

    Hi, I'm 14 and am currently in Secondary Education. I excel in maths and science as a whole and am the best at both in my year group. From an early age I've been interested in Theoretical Physics. How should I pursue this, what branches of Theoretical Physics are there and will it be a good...
  45. J

    The Future of LQG - Oldey's Perspective

    This is what an oldey in LQG thinks: http://arxiv.org/pdf/1201.4598.pdfs - page 27. It's great to see such confidence expressed in something that has for so long been put to the side because of the popularity in string theory. What most interests you and why? Do you have a different opinion...
  46. B

    Probability of past vs future events

    Does probability apply to past events before determining the outcome? Does the probability of an undermined past outcome change to p=1 when the outcome is revealed to have occurred? Does the probability of a future event change to p=1 after it happens? I may have more questions, probably...
  47. V

    Will i enjoy physics in future?

    Hello; I have enjoyed physics in my school days(during class 11th and 12th). Now either i will go to any engineering college or get BS MS dual degree from IISER. Will i able to enjoy physics in colleges too(if i go there)? Thanks...
  48. P

    Programs UG Physics and Mathematics double major: questions and concerns about my future

    Greetings, my name is Tyler, I am new to the forum! Lately I been reading a lot of articles stating that High School graduates can be just as successful as the common college graduate that has incurred student loan debt. I will tell my story and the options that I have. Fist I will give my...
  49. S

    Is Studying Applied Ethics and Future Tech Beneficial for a Physics Career?

    Hello all, Thanks in advance for any thoughts and opinions on this. In short, I'm wondering if classes or a masters in applied ethics and future tech would be an asset for me. I took a 400 lvl class in a previous semester about applied ethics and future technologies. I was very interested...
  50. V

    Which engineering branch is good for research works in future?

    I am from India.. I want a branch which has significant room for research works in future after B tech Mtec and so on.. Right now my preference is Electrical and electronics,Electronics &Ccommunication,Electrical Engineering, Computer Science.(need further suggestions from u)... Is it good or...
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