Glossary of Terms Essential for Forecasting and Futurism

A:

ACAD: An acronym representing the creative arts, crafts, and design.

Actualized Intention: The concept that when one is genuinely prepared and willing to pursue a vision, action occurs spontaneously without the need for discipline or willpower.

Applied Game Theory: The integration of principles from game theory into everyday situations.

B:

Basic Challenge: Any dilemma solvable through common sense or by recalling how others have successfully navigated similar issues (refer to Best Practices).

Bayes' Theorem: A fundamental theorem in probability theory that describes the relationship between conditional probabilities—specifically, the likelihood of a hypothesis based on observed evidence.

Big Data: A term encompassing the organization of vast and intricate data sets that traditional processing methods struggle to handle. Proper analysis can lead to enhanced decision-making and operational efficiency.

Biophilia: The inherent human inclination to connect with nature and other life forms.

Black Swan Events: A term coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb to describe unexpected and improbable occurrences that have significant consequences, often rationalized retrospectively.

Butterfly Effect: A principle in probability theory illustrating how minor changes can lead to disproportionately large outcomes.

C:

Cognitive Bias: A systematic deviation from rational judgment, influenced by perceptions and social contexts, leading to illogical thinking.

Compassion: A feeling of sympathy that motivates merciful actions.

Competition: A drive to win, often framed in adversarial terms, which can lead to dysfunctional interactions.

Conservation and Balance: The effective management of strategic resources.

Conspiracy Theory: A belief, often lacking substantial evidence, suggesting that individuals conspire to commit illegal or unethical acts.

Constraint (Obstacle): Any entity that hinders the progress of a sequential process.

Creativity: The process of generating something novel and valuable, whether it be an idea or a tangible product.

Critical Mass: The minimum number of adopters needed for an innovation to become self-sustaining within a social framework, influenced by social factors.

Critical Thinking: The rigorous exploration of concepts using reasoning, problem-solving, and moral reflection.

Culture: The distinctive practices, symbols, and beliefs that characterize a society at a specific time and place.

D:

Decision Science: A field focused on utilizing analytical methods to enhance decision-making processes.

Deductive Reasoning: The methodical organization and evaluation of facts to clarify concepts succinctly.

Diligence: The commitment to paying attention to details to avoid errors and overcome challenges.

Dysfunctional: A state of imbalance or decline in any individual, organization, or system.

This glossary is an excerpt from my course, "How to Become a Professional Futurist." For more information, feel free to leave a comment below.

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