About the Event

A key problem in advancing economic theory is that one cannot conduct significant experiments with new systems or paradigms. We have only one planet, and only one global economy. There are a handful of exceptions and natural experiments, but new policies must largely interact with existing structures and institutions that confound results. This creates inherent uncertainty as to any new approach’s consequences, which in turn impedes policy implementation and knowledge creation. How can expert speculative worldbuilders work with economists to conduct experiments with alternative models as imaginaries? 

In this workshop, our speakers will discuss the role of imagination and creative thinking in designing better futures through changes to our economic systems, approaching the problem through science fiction and through speculative theory. What kinds of futures do we really want, and how might we invite others to share in our vision? What role can speculative storytelling play in offering up new and better stories for what our economies might be? 

Hosted by the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics, the ASU Worldbuilding Initiative invites all members of our community—at ASU and beyond it—to come together in mutual inspiration, communal thinking, and imaginative play. In each of our workshops, audience members will be encouraged to engage in worldbuilding alongside our guest presenters, inventing new ways of imagining and interacting with the world around us. 

  
This hybrid event is free and open to the public, in addition to the ASU community. It will be held on the Tempe Campus and simultaneously livestreamed via Zoom, with full participation in the night's activities possible online or in-person.