Open AccessReflection on population forecasting: from predictions to prospective analysis
Author(s) -
Anatole Romaniuc
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
canadian studies in population
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.157
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 1927-629X
pISSN - 0380-1489
DOI - 10.25336/p6kp4p
Subject(s) - credibility , predictability , projection (relational algebra) , reflection (computer programming) , meaning (existential) , population projection , epistemology , population , sociology , computer science , philosophy , population growth , statistics , mathematics , algorithm , demography , programming language
The notion of predictability, central to the conventional meaning given toprojection, is de-emphasized, and that of analytical credibility stressed. Theusefulness of a projection is to be judged by the extent to which it contributes to decisions shaping the future. The author explores the epistemological base for this reconceptualization of the projection as an instrument of “creating” rather than “discovering” the future. To this end, he turns to the contemporarydevelopments in the philosophy of science.