← Back to Concept Index
future-bias
The psychological tendency to prioritize and consider the future in decision-making, as described by Derek Parfit.
1 chapter across 1 book
Clock of the Long Now: Time and Responsibility (1999)Stewart Brand
CHAPTER 18, USES OF THE FUTURE
Chapter 18 explores the practical and philosophical uses of the future in shaping political and social change, exemplified by the Mont Fleur Scenarios which facilitated South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy. It highlights the inherent human bias toward considering the future, as discussed by philosopher Derek Parfit, and emphasizes the role of government in representing future interests in contemporary capitalist societies. The chapter also references foundational works on cooperation and foresight, such as Robert Axelrod's 'The Evolution of Cooperation.'