Future Definition and 789 Threads

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. I

    Where is the future if everywhere is the past?

    I just wanted to check as I'm sure I know the answer but if someone can verify it for me. Everywhere we look out into space is the past relative to us and likewise any life on some other planet would consider us to be the past. Is this simply because it's the same thing as there is no centre of...
  2. Ritzycat

    Question about STEM majors & worried about future

    I am a high school senior and I am going to go to college next year. For the last year or so I thought I would be doing engineering. I am worrying that I am not intelligent enough to do engineering. Of all the engineering disciplines I was most appealed to chemical engineering. I am currently in...
  3. R

    Will the future quantum computers use binary, ternary or quaternary?

    Hello. Our current computers use bits, so they use the binary numeral system. But I heard that the future quantum computers will use qubits instead of simple bits. Since in the word "qubit" there is the word "bi" I first thought that this meant that quantum computers would use binary (base...
  4. S

    Looking for a future in Astrophysics

    I am currently attending Community College, but in the future I would like to transfer to a University and get a degree in Astrophysics. The University of Alabama - Huntsville (UAH) is the closest University where I live, and I was wondering if the PhD Physics program good, and also UAH offers a...
  5. T

    Exploring Career Paths in Science: Finding Your Passion and Potential

    I like to think about stuff in new ways and solving problems, and most especially inventing things. I have been inventing gadgets and contraptions since a very young age and it is something that I do to this day, I just love tinkering with stuff. Perhaps that is why I love programming so...
  6. electricspit

    Future Confusion: Should I Pursue a PhD in Astrophysical Simulation?

    Hello, I just got an interesting offer and I'm not sure quite what to do. I've always been interesting in theoretical physics, but I've been doing some cosmological simulation research this summer and my advisor was impressed with my work enough to offer me a position as a grad student at my...
  7. S

    Interested in my future as a mathematician

    I am currently working on my B.S. in Applied Mathematics at AMU; and then plan on doing a M.S. in Computational Mathematics at WKU. How is the job market for Mathematicians and can I get a job in the mathematical modeling sector with just a M.S. or do I need to pursue a PH.D?
  8. T

    Calculators How do I save equations on a ti-36x pro for future calculations?

    Can anyone help me on how to save functions on a ti 36x pro for future calculations? I am doing a lot of plug and chug calculus and physics problems that would save me time if I knew how to save the functions and real them later, by changing what x is. Ie. Newtons method to finding roots...
  9. D

    Mindblowing future technology predictions of the future?

    Hello all. Nice to meet you. I don't want to know what's smaller than a quark but I am sure many here have spent a lot of time thinking about the future. In terms of new technology. I have some of my own theories for some of things that we'll definitely see in the future. I'm betting on flying...
  10. D

    Importance of the Present vs the Future

    Hello, i would like to share some thoughts about this question i have been thinking about. Everyday we make choices that affect the future, sometimes we even choose to compromisse some of the present time or resources just to build something better in the future. Sometimes i try to...
  11. D

    Can a bio-fuel based energy be future houses?

    I was thinking what is the cost efficient and energy efficient way for the new future homes to be. Since alternative energy like solar and wind is not efficient enough (10%) then I was thinking maybe bio-fuel or algae be the way to be independent from the utlitity companies. The objective...
  12. D

    Could Graphene Replace Superconductors in Future Technologies?

    Im astonished with graphene's properties. But currently I am most interested with its conductive properties, I assume graphene has an extremely low resistance? If so, can it compete with superconductors? I mean, since SC break at powerful magnetic fields hence they have a limit when carrying...
  13. T

    Engineering Engineering Master's, and what does my future hold?

    I have a BSc in information technology. I worked as a technician for a long time after the military, and I did really well. The engineers were handing off their hard work to me, so I quit my job and got my Master's in computer engineering. Now it's time to find a job again. Two...
  14. G

    Is time travel to the future easier than the past?

    So, I've been learning about quantum mechanics as of late. If I understand correctly, there would be a large amount of energy required to "turn back the clock" on all particles throughout Earth (assume that I don't change the position of satellites or the stars) in order to go back in time...
  15. TheSenescent

    Preparing my future, are my goals viable?

    Hello there, users of Physics Forums! My name's Keyan, and I'm a graduated 18-year-old. I only have my GED, unfortunately, but I plan to explain that happenstance in what may be a rather long post. I'm hopeful that the community here can help me make some decisions about my future and how to go...
  16. Cosmobrain

    Exciting Future Space Missions: JWST and New Horizons on the Horizon!

    What are the future space missions that you're excited about? (sorry if this thread exists already). I can't wait for the JWST to get launched. I want to see what it will discover about the early Universe. Also, I want to see a picture that will be the first decent one of Pluto. New Horizons...
  17. M

    Importance of CS in future courses and programs

    I am currently considering pursuing a specialization in Physics and hopefully research in the future. I'm not exactly sure what exactly I'd like to go into, but fields like nanomaterials, electromagnetism, condensed matter physics, astrophysics, particle physics and optics and photonics. I know...
  18. C

    Can the Future Be Predicted with 100% Accuracy Using Particle Properties?

    I was watching a tv show and they stated... If you know the exact position and velocity of every particle you can accuratly predict the future for the rest of time. However I know that you cannot know the exact position AND velocity of a sub atomic particle. How accurate is the first...
  19. B

    What has a better future? CS VS EE

    Computer science vs. Electrical engineering. Which of these disciplines has a more interesting future? In your opinion.
  20. carllacan

    Role of future measurements on Bayes Filter

    This is a hard to explain question. If what I wrote makes no sense to you please let me know so that I can fix it. Suppose a zone where the weather changes like a Markov chain between sunny, cloudy and rainy. You can't observe it directly, but you have a sensor that gives some information...
  21. G

    Can Late Bloomers in Math Find a Future in the Field?

    Hello physics board members, I've always enjoyed looking through the posts on this site, especially the ones regarding advising, since everyone who replies is genuinely helpful and gives good advice. Well, I'm in need of some. I've recently gone back to school after a long hiatus due to...
  22. O

    Want to (roughly) predict future behavior of a system

    Hello I am building a set of data. It is composed of events that occur at discrete times throughout a day. There is tolerance, eg. per 5 seconds. I want to be able to predict the probability that an event will occur at a given time on a future day, by taking the probability derived from...
  23. N

    Is Biology the Future of Physics?

    Hi all. I am new to this board and had a question i thought id throw out there. I am currently not studying, as i have deferred my studies from the University i was at (University of Western Australia) and intend to go back in the near future and start a Science degree. I haven't had much...
  24. B

    Biotechnology Engineering Questions from a future student

    So just let me know if this is entirely the wrong place to put this and I guess I'll delete it. I'm about to go into college, and I've been having a bit of trouble really deciding on which degree best suits what I want to pursue in the future. My dream is to study and bridge the gap...
  25. H

    Navigating the Future: Exploring Engineering Options for 20-Year-Olds

    I am 20 years old, I am probably going to enter a engineering program not next fall but the one after it. As I understand it, biomedical, computer science and pretty well any engineering degree will be good for the future. What do you guys think about being 20-21 and entering a program? What...
  26. E

    Applied or Pure Math for Future Teacher?

    Hi everyone! Thank you clicking on this thread. I am a community college student seeking to transfer by the end of this upcoming spring semester. I plan to major in math; my main goal is to become a high school teacher or community college professor. Only recently did I find out that...
  27. B

    I love HEP Theory, but doubts about future.

    Hello! This is my first time starting my own thread and I have spent a lot of time reading other threads and posts about Physics grad admission. My post is not really about "WILL I GET ACCEPTED?" per say, but I just need a place to write about how I feel and for some reason I feel like doing it...
  28. J

    Do Past, Unrelated Events Affect Future Probabilities?

    For a long time now I've been thinking about something I find odd about probabilities. For example, let's say that I win the lottery, something that is extremely unlikely. What is the probability that I will be struck by lightning? The odds of someone winning the lottery and getting struck by...
  29. AdrianHudson

    What Are the Growth Prospects and Earnings in Robotics and Petroleum Industries?

    Hey guys! I'm just wondering do you know where I can see the growth and total money made by an industry like say robotics or petroleum. I just want to see what industry I want to go into when I'm older:)! Thanks
  30. born2discover

    Future Outlook For Career Choices

    Hello Everyone, This is my first post on this site and certainly will not be my last. First a little about me, I am 28, married, currently maintain a 4.0 in college. I am a non traditional student looking at varying career paths. While I have not declared a major as of yet, the options I am...
  31. D

    Am I capable of study theoretical physics in the future?

    I am a philosophy student at candidates level. However, my dream is to study theoretical physics at a university. The ambition is NOT to become a great physicist (neccesarily). My goal is to be eligible for university studies and understand basic courses. So, is it required to be gifted...
  32. Quarlep

    Can Physics Predict the Future?

    In physics there is any study about future knowledge If you have any ideas can you tell me I know some studies but Iam not sure about them. Thanks
  33. kinkarso

    Using Quantum Entanglement to know the future?

    Hi there, Is it possible to accelerate one of a pair of photons (while under quantum entanglement) close to the speed of light, and communicate information from the future? For example, two pairs of entangled photons with pre-determined states (using projection measurement) have one of...
  34. C

    Need advice for an average biology student worried about the future.

    This thread is geared towards biology professionals who have only attained a Bachelors degree in the biology/science related field and who have had a minimum work experience of 5+ years. Long story short, I'm an average sophomore pursing a BS in Biology, age 28 and have already been thinking...
  35. T

    Schools How important is your grad school research to future positions?

    For example, I want to work on quantum gravity and things like Brane cosmology (but not necessarily string theory). I'm really interested in sinking my teeth into differential geometry, general relativity, the shape of the universe, stuff like that. But if I were to go to a grad school that...
  36. PhotonEmitter

    Could String Theory Be the Future of Quantum Physics?

    I'm a 10th grade high school student, but before you judge me I would like to inform you that I have a 127% (thanks extra credit) in my Advanced Physics class. I was reading the textbook as I usually do in my free time and I stumbled across a section on String Theory, I read through the chapter...
  37. PhanthomJay

    Hubble's Deep Field View in the long long Future

    I don't know why I let these things bug me, so I figure I'll ask the experts here. We've all seen those Hubble photos of the galaxies in their early formations some 12 billion years ago or so. If Hubble is somehow still around in the year 12 billion AD, and indeed, we assume man is still...
  38. H

    Future Job Market: Engineers & Computer Scientists: Debate & Solutions

    What do you guys believe the future will bring for engineers and computer scientists in general? What specialization do you think offers the most safety in terms of job security? How about this claim, there is a purported shortage of STEM graduates but this is false and that this is...
  39. ahmedo93

    I need guidance for my future, .

    My story: Hello, My name is Ahmed: Please excuse my grammatical mistakes, I am a 20 year old Kuwaiti, currently living in Kuwait and have a love for Science since my early childhood, When I was in High school, I have made many mistakes, one of them was that I did not complete High School...
  40. G

    Is Back to the Future the Clearest Explanation of Time Travel in Film?

    Doc Brown's explanation of time travel on the blackboard, in BTTF2, the best explanation of time travel I have seen in any movie.
  41. G

    Future Engineer: Advice on Choices at UoAuckland

    Hi there, I am currently in my last year of high school in New Zealand and looking to become and engineer or a surgeon. I am interested in all types of engineering and the college that I will be going to next year ( The University of Auckland ) offers many types of engineering. Should I pursue...
  42. M

    Seeking Advice For Schooling and my Physics Future

    Hello, kind people of PF! It's been a few days since I've registered for this forum, and I have a good amount of questions for you guys. Mostly it's be describing some special circumstance I have or special want I have, and asking a question about it. Feel free to answer some, all, or none (if...
  43. S

    Outsourcing and future employment opportunities.

    Hi, I would like to know your opinion about the effect that outsourcing will have on engineers/scientists of the future. This is concerning me greatly at the present moment, as I would like employment after graduating!
  44. M

    Analyzing Batch Volatility and Predicting Future Results

    I have a set of results over time that show the volatility of a batch and trying to determine state at the latter end of the process whether a batch is stronger or getting weaker? B4 has outperformed all other batches and showing an increase in latter results which means it is slowing or...
  45. mesa

    Are MSR thorium breeder cycles a good option for our energy future?

    I would imagine it could be difficult to make drastic changes to current nuclear technologies however with the current political and general population consensus about nuclear energy does it make sense to try a radically different approach to nuclear power production? Thorium has come up...
  46. Q

    In need of some advice about my future

    I went to Harvard as an undergrad, but I was exceedingly poorly prepared in more or less every respect. I ended up finishing with a 3.3 GPA and a 3.1 concentration GPA (My pure math classes are higher (3.45), the lower grade is because I counted four physics classes towards my major that I...
  47. S

    Programs Which College is Best for Studying Aerospace Engineering in Turkey?

    Hello! I am a senior high school student and althought I am planning to make an earl application for college I am still not sure about my college major.I am between Aerospace engineering, Naval architecture and maybe architecture. I am in Turkey and when I looked at the recommended high school...
  48. StevieTNZ

    News Are you ready for a next-in-line future Queen or King to be born?

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/8949694/Duchess-of-Cambridge-goes-into-labour Kate has gone into labour, confirmed by the Palace.
  49. T

    Did I Ruin My Future in Electrical Engineering?

    Hi (second post), I'm sorry if this topic has been discussed already, but I think my case is a little unique. I had planned to attend University of Arizona for a B.S. in EE. Unfortuoately, due to awful life events, my mother's finances were destroyed. So, I'll be attending my local state...
  50. N

    Seeing the entire future of the Universe

    What does " Sees the entire future of the Universe" mean? I can't even imagine seeing one minute into the future let alone the 'entire future'... The interior structure of rotating black holes 1. Concise derivation http://arxiv.org/pdf/1010.1269v3.pdf [From the third paragraph, INTRODUCTION]
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