Guesswork and the persuasive power of numbers. The production of future knowledge in the Swiss Kneschaurek prospective study with focus on vocational education and training (1971)

Abstract

This article examines the production and reception of future knowledge in the Swiss prospective study of 1971, focusing on vocational education and training (VET). Under the direction of Francesco Kneschaurek, the study aimed to forecast Switzerland's economic development until the year 2000. Prospective studies were widespread in Western countries during the 1960s. These were the years of economic boom, the ensuing planning euphoria, a positive view of science, and the belief in the predictability and controllability of the future. T Show more