On the problem of translation of the term "futures studies" from English into Russian

Modern science more and more often looks into the future, making scientific forecasts and predictions about its own development. This phenomenon is based on the probabilistic nature of modern science; it might also be explained by the fact that science does not use solely empirical means of the world cognition. Science can also be characterized as heuristic, theoretical and intuitive by nature. In Western science there is such an academic discipline as Futures Studies, which is well developed and rather popular. It consolidates the results of scientific forecasting of different scientific fields. In Russian academic sphere there is no absolute analogue to Western Futures Studies, and thus there is no definite equivalent to this term. The author of the article makes an attempt by means of lexicographical analysis and the study of theoretical material to find the most adequate analogue to the term Futures Studies in Russian. This analogue should reflect the content and peculiarities of the term. The article also thoroughly studies such term as futurology, its connotations and meanings. As a result of the analysis the author comes to the conclusion that Russian academics tend to avoid the use of the word “futurology” in respect to Futures Studies. Futurology in Russian mind is associated with delusions, speculations and junk science. In case when the word “futurology” is applied by academics it is understood in a more narrow sense than Futures Studies. In the end the author suggests using the term “исследования многовариантного будущего” as a way of translation the term Futures Studies into Russian.