Predicting the world's future?

Question

Apart from economics,what other subjects/disciplines would be essential/useful to determine planet Earth's future trends?

NO RELIGIOUS/MAGICKAL THINKING PLEASE-THANK YOU!

Answer 1

Well the bible tells you everything u need to know so thats the only subject u need to read - anything else is useless!

Answer 2

I think economics does very well at predicting the future, I'd focus especially on Game Theory, with particular emphasis on finite games without repetition. It seems people don't really learn from the past.

To complement this, I think Sociology would be interesting, and some psychology, to learn how groups behave, and how they can be influenced.

History would show you the mistakes were are making again, and what were the consequences in the past.

Mix these three together and you'd have a nice crystal ball.

This is for the more pessimistic who believe that we'll destroy a lot of what's on the planet now by our direct efforts rather than have nature destroy us.

If you are slightly more optimistic, then you should learn science, probably some stuff about the weather, and how the weather is affected by pollution for example.

And if you have a very long term view, Geology, so you can learn about the full impact of how changes in weather have shaped the globe.

Frankly, I wish I could learn about all this, but I'm pessimistic, so I'm just at Economics + Sociology, with minute dashes of Psych.

Have fun!

Answer 3

Why is this under economics, yet you state apart from it?
No man knows the Earth's future and few know their own. If you do believe life is about choices and changes, then a set known about the Earth can only be imagined. A trend I notice is the climate in North America is hotter and less winter times. Some here say read your bible it's all in there, they may read the words but only God knows when and in what ways as the Revelation is under interpetation that varies by the reader.

Answer 4

History is the study of mistakes made in the past. Some people think that its just a study of dates and how people used to live. Philistines used to live in the 'olden days' but the majority still exist today you probably live next door to one. Economics is the study of scarcity of resources not the study of how to make money which I find the vast majority of people believe.
One theory about Easter Island goes along the lines of chopping down trees to enable the huge statues to be rolled into position. Eventually they became short of trees so different tribes fought over the remaining fuel. Those that survived died from hypothermia when it eventually ran out. Does this energy shortage ring a bell!
Essential discipline humility. Don't mention that word to a politician they'll probably pass a law banning it.

Answer 5

Physics, Religion and Spirituality, Astronomy, Environmental Sciences.

Answer 6

Geology and ecology should be included, I think.

For example, economic models for petroleum and forestry often don't account for finite resources, and they should. As a matter of fact, the sciences should drive most of the assumptions rather than engineering or financial considerations.

Answer 7

The ultimate end of this earth is not knowledge but action.What is the use of the acquired knowledge if no action is taken....
The world can progress only if---
1)ppl are made aware
2)UN (which is USELESS)should be replaced
3)America disintegrates



have a nice day

Answer 8

Populations studies, a good start would be Essays on Population by Thomas Robert Malthus.

Answer 9

Bible: world will end after Armageddon , better start praying!
Looking at what is going on in the Middle East at the moment, I would say we might be alive when it happens ( my guess , next 20 years)

Answer 10

Nostradamus' Decedents!