Embracing Liminality and Navigating Societal Change

The 25th World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF) World Conference in Paris is poised to explore the concept of liminality, offering insights into the complex nature of societal change. This gathering of leading foresight scholars and extraordinary thinkers promises to shed light on the confusion and ambiguity surrounding the transformative shifts we are experiencing. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the key themes and ideas emerging from highlighting the importance of shared values, ideologies, and the need for a grand narrative to shape our collective response to the meta crisis.

Embracing Liminality: 

Liminality reflects the transitional phase we find ourselves in as a society. It signifies a departure from the old and a step towards the new, a period where established norms are challenged, and new possibilities emerge. We need a platform for thinkers from diverse backgrounds to address the profound questions and uncertainties that accompany societal change.

Shared Values and Universal Ideals: 

Contrary to popular belief, the confusion and complexity arising from societal change are not exclusive to specific generations. Regardless of age, individuals can embrace the speed and scale of change, finding comfort in the opportunities it presents. Wendell Bell's empirical research on values and ideologies reveals that at the core, humanity shares a common set of universal values. These values transcend political differences and connect us through a collective pursuit of well-being and the flourishing of our planet.

Predicting Futurists' Writing and Advisory: 

An intriguing question pertains to the correlation between ideologies and preferred descriptive and prescriptive frameworks. Is it possible to use someone's favorite ideology as a reliable predictor of their futurist writing and advisory? While further research is required, it is important to recognize that addressing all sides of societal change in an apolitical manner is not limited to centrists alone. Scholars and thinkers across the ideological spectrum can contribute valuable insights by approaching the complexities with an open mind and a commitment to shared well-being.

The Grand Narrative of Civilization: 

One of the central challenges faced by our civilization is the meta crisis - a convergence of various global issues. Addressing this crisis requires a grand narrative that encompasses our ethical system core first principles and values, along with a certain level of certainty regarding our epistemological qualities. The leading foresight scholars, influenced by the collective wisdom of ordinary people, are calling for a global or planetary consciousness. This shared vision seeks to reduce uncertainty, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnections that bind us all.

Triangulating Extraordinary Perspectives: 

The call for global consciousness and reduced uncertainty about the ethical system is reverberating throughout the noosphere, the sphere of human thought. Extraordinary individuals, such as scholars and scientists, are embracing this grand narrative and advocating for a common understanding of our fundamental principles. Like the cosmic microwave background radiation that permeates the universe, this call is echoed from every direction, irrespective of personal affiliations or ideological differences.

The 25th WFSF World Conference in Paris stands as a testament to the importance of embracing liminality and navigating the complexities of societal change. Ordinary people and extraordinary thinkers alike recognize the need for a shared set of core universal values and a grand narrative that guides our civilization towards a brighter future. By fostering global consciousness and reducing uncertainty, we can collectively address the meta crisis and shape a world that thrives on interconnectedness, sustainability, and well-being. The insights and discussions emerging from this conference will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our path forward.