The question whether foresight processes are scientific procedures at all is still under lively discussion. In this article, we shall try to give an answer by creating a generic model of such processes and compare it to a widely accepted set of conditions characterizing scientific disciplines. The model developed here shows a similar structure, as some technology assessment procedure given by the German VDI, and is therefore one of the two major parts of a holistic approach to solving strategic decision problems. The detailed analysis will show how foresight fits to a fundamental model of sciences and reveals possible deficits and perils. Some recommendations are given for the development of quality assurance measures for foresight products. Special emphasis is laid upon the role of fallibilism and the applicability of Popper’s mechanism of falsifying hypotheses.

中文翻译：

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关于预见过程中的一些基本方法论方面

预见过程是否完全是科学程序的问题仍在热烈讨论中。在本文中，我们将尝试通过创建此类过程的通用模型来给出答案，并将其与一组广泛接受的表征科学学科的条件进行比较。这里开发的模型显示出相似的结构，就像德国VDI提供的某些技术评估程序一样，因此是解决战略决策问题的整体方法的两个主要部分之一。详细的分析将显示远见如何适应科学的基本模型，并揭示可能的缺陷和风险。提出了一些建议，以制定远见产品的质量保证措施。