Problemy metodologiczne futurologii jako „dyscypliny naukowej

The twentieth century brings the growing pace of change and dynamic development of science. The combination of these factors creates both demand and hope for a rational, effective and scientific knowledge of the future. Some of these hopes have focused on futurology as a discipline oriented not only on research, but also on shaping the future. The dynamic development of predictive scientific activities, numerous studies and publications did not result however in full recognition of futurology as a scientific discipline. This text presents the basic methodological problems of studies on the future, ways of understanding the futurology as a separate discipline, perspectives and paradigms in futures studies. These considerations will be complemented by a few examples showing the prognostic potential of futures studies in the social sciences.