View source for Prediction

A '''prediction''' ([[Social:Latin|Latin]] ''præ-'', "before," and ''dictum'', "something said"<ref>
{{oed | predict}}
</ref>) or [[Forecasting|'''forecast''']] is a statement about a [[Physics:Future|future]] [[Event (probability theory)|event]] or about future [[Data|data]]. Predictions are often, but not always, based upon experience or knowledge of forecasters. There is no universal agreement about the exact difference between "prediction" and "[[Estimation|estimation]]"; different authors and disciplines ascribe different [[Philosophy:Connotation|connotation]]s.

Future events are necessarily [[Physics:Uncertainty|uncertain]], so guaranteed accurate information about the future is impossible. Prediction can be useful to assist in making [[Engineering:Planning|plans]] about possible developments.

==Opinion==
In a non-statistical sense, the term "prediction" is often used to refer to an [[Hypothesis|informed guess or opinion]].

A prediction of this kind might be informed by a predicting person's [[Abductive reasoning|abductive reasoning]], [[Philosophy:Inductive reasoning|inductive reasoning]], [[Deductive reasoning|deductive reasoning]], and [[Empirical evidence|experience]]; and may be useful—if the predicting person is a [[Philosophy:Expert|knowledgeable person]] in the field.<ref>{{cite book |last=Silver |first=Nate |year=2012 |title=The Signal and the Noise : Why so many predictions fail—but some don't |url=https://archive.org/detail/signalnoisewhymo00silv |url-access=registration |publisher=Penguin Press |location=New York |isbn=978-1-59420-411-1 }}</ref>

The [[Delphi method]] is a technique for eliciting such expert-judgement-based predictions in a controlled way.  This type of prediction might be perceived as consistent with statistical techniques in the sense that, at minimum, the "data" being used is the predicting expert's [[Cognition|cognitive experiences]] forming an [[Intuition|intuitive]] [[Physics:Probability density function|"probability curve."]]

==Statistics==
In [[Statistics|statistics]], prediction is a part of [[Statistical inference|statistical inference]]. One particular approach to such inference is known as [[Predictive inference|predictive inference]], but the prediction can be undertaken within any of the several approaches to statistical inference. Indeed, one possible description of statistics is that it provides a means of transferring knowledge about a sample of a population to the whole population, and to other related populations, which is not necessarily the same as prediction over time. When information is transferred across time, often to specific points in time, the process is known as [[Forecasting|forecasting]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Cox |first=D. R. |year=2006 |title=Principles of Statistical Inference |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-68567-2 }}</ref> Forecasting usually requires [[Time series|time series]] methods, while prediction is often performed on [[Cross-sectional data|cross-sectional data]].

Statistical techniques used for prediction include [[Regression analysis#Prediction|regression]] and its various sub-categories such as [[Linear regression|linear regression]], [[Generalized linear model|generalized linear model]]s ([[Logistic regression|logistic regression]], [[Poisson regression]], Probit regression), etc. In case of forecasting, autoregressive moving average models and [[Vector autoregression|vector autoregression]] models can be utilized. When these and/or related, generalized set of regression or [[Machine learning|machine learning]] methods are deployed in commercial usage, the field is known as [[Predictive analytics|predictive analytics]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Siegel |first=Eric |year=2013 |title=Predictive Analysis: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |location=Hoboken, NJ |isbn=978-1-118-35685-2 }}</ref>

In many applications, such as time series analysis, it is possible to estimate the models that generate the observations. If models can be expressed as [[Transfer function|transfer function]]s or in terms of state-space parameters then smoothed, filtered and predicted data estimates can be calculated. If the underlying generating models are linear then a minimum-variance [[Kalman filter]] and a minimum-variance smoother may be used to recover data of interest from noisy measurements. These techniques rely on one-step-ahead predictors (which minimise the variance of the prediction error). When the generating models are nonlinear then stepwise linearizations may be applied within Extended Kalman Filter and smoother recursions. However, in nonlinear cases, optimum minimum-variance performance guarantees no longer apply.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Julier |first1=S. J. |last2=Uhlmann |first2=J. K. |year=2004 |title=Unscented filtering and nonlinear estimation |journal=Proceedings of the IEEE |volume=92 |issue=3 |pages=401–422 |doi=10.1109/jproc.2003.823141 |s2cid=9614092 |citeseerx=10.1.1.136.6539 }}</ref>

To use regression analysis for prediction, data are collected on the variable that is to be predicted, called the dependent variable or response variable, and on one or more variables whose values are [[Hypothesis|hypothesized]] to influence it, called independent variables or explanatory variables. A [[Function (mathematics)#Real function|functional form]], often linear, is hypothesized for the postulated causal relationship, and the [[Parameter|parameter]]s of the function are [[Estimation|estimated]] from the data—that is, are chosen so as to optimize is some way the [[Goodness of fit|fit]] of the function, thus parameterized, to the data. That is the estimation step. For the prediction step, explanatory variable values that are deemed relevant to future (or current but not yet observed) values of the dependent variable are input to the parameterized function to generate predictions for the dependent variable.<ref>{{cite book |last=Fox |first=John |year=2016 |title=Applied Regression Analysis and Generalized Linear Models |publisher=Sage |location=London |edition=Third |isbn=978-1-4522-0566-3 }}</ref>

=== Machine learning and artificial intelligence ===
In recent decades, prediction has become a central task in [[Machine learning|machine learning]] and [[Artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]] research. 
Supervised learning algorithms, such as support vector machines, [[Decision tree learning|decision trees]], and [[Neural networks|neural networks]], 
are trained on historical datasets to predict outcomes on new, unseen data. These models are widely applied in domains such as 
[[Natural language processing|natural language processing]], [[Computer vision|computer vision]], [[Medicine:Health informatics|health informatics]], and [[Finance:Financial technology|financial technology]]. 
Recent studies have emphasized the importance of model interpretability and fairness, since predictions can influence 
critical decisions in healthcare, criminal justice, and public policy.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Rudin |first=Cynthia |year=2019 
|title=Stop explaining black box machine learning models for high stakes decisions and use interpretable models instead 
|journal=Nature Machine Intelligence |volume=1 |pages=206–215 |doi=10.1038/s42256-019-0048-x|pmc=9122117 }}</ref>


An unbiased performance estimate of a model can be obtained on hold-out test sets. The predictions can visually be compared to the ground truth in a [[Parity plot|parity plot]].

==Science==
{{multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| footer            = [[Organization:NASA|NASA]]'s 2004 predictions of the solar cycle, which were inaccurate (predicting that [[Astronomy:Solar cycle 24|solar cycle 24]] would start in 2007 and be larger than cycle 23), and the refined predictions in 2012, showing it started in 2010 and is very small
| width             = 220
| image1            = SSN Predict NASA.gif
| image2            = Hathaway Cycle 24 Prediction.png
}}

In science, a prediction is a rigorous, often quantitative, statement, forecasting what would be observed under specific conditions; for example, according to theories of [[Company:Gravity|gravity]], if an apple fell from a tree it would be seen to move towards the center of the Earth with a specified and constant [[Physics:Acceleration|acceleration]]. The [[Scientific method|scientific method]] is built on testing statements that are [[Logical consequence|logical consequence]]s of scientific theories. This is done through repeatable [[Experiment|experiment]]s or observational studies.

A [[Scientific theory|scientific theory]] whose predictions are contradicted by observations and evidence will be rejected. New theories that generate many new predictions can more easily be supported or [[Philosophy:Falsifiability|falsified]] (see [[Philosophy:Predictive power|predictive power]]). Notions that make no ''testable'' predictions are usually <!--only usually; string theory is considered science though no predictions can be tested-->considered not to be part of science ([[Protoscience|protoscience]] or nescience) until testable predictions can be made.

Mathematical equations and [[Mathematical model|models]], and computer models, are frequently used to describe the past and future behaviour of a process within the boundaries of that model. In some cases the [[Probability|probability]] of an outcome, rather than a specific outcome, can be predicted, for example in much of [[Physics:Quantum physics|quantum physics]].

In [[Engineering:Microprocessor|microprocessor]]s, [[Branch predictor|branch prediction]] permits avoidance of [[Pipeline (computing)|pipeline]] emptying at [[Branch (computer science)|branch instructions]].

In [[Engineering:Engineering|engineering]], possible failure modes are predicted and avoided by correcting the failure mechanism causing the failure.

Accurate prediction and forecasting are very difficult in some areas, such as natural disasters, pandemics, [[Demography|demography]], population dynamics and [[Physics:Meteorology|meteorology]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hendry |first1=Andrew P |title=Prediction in ecology and evolution |journal=[[Biology:BioScience|BioScience]] |date=2023 |volume=73 |issue=11 |pages=785–799 |doi=10.1093/biosci/biad083 |doi-access=}}</ref> For example, it is possible to predict the occurrence of [[Astronomy:Solar cycle|solar cycle]]s, but their exact timing and magnitude is much more difficult (see picture to right).

In materials engineering it is also possible to predict the life time of a material with a mathematical model.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Garcia Hernandez|first1=Maria Inmaculada|title=Life time prediction for low energy and ecological effects bituminous mixtures|journal=Construction and Building Materials|volume=118|year=2018|pages=108–113|doi=10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.09.158|s2cid=139437088 }}</ref>

In [[Medicine:Medicine|medical]] science predictive and prognostic biomarkers can be used to predict patient outcomes in response to various treatment or the probability of a clinical event.<ref>{{citation |author1=Califf, R.M. | year=2018 |title=Biomarker definitions and their applications |journal=Exp Biol Med (Maywood) |volume=243 |issue=3| pages=213–221 |doi=10.1177/1535370217750088| pmid= 29405771|pmc=5813875 }}</ref>

=== Hypothesis ===
Established science makes useful predictions which are often extremely reliable and accurate; for example, [[Astronomy:Eclipse|eclipse]]s are routinely predicted.

New theories make predictions which allow them to be disproved by reality. For example, predicting the structure of crystals at the atomic level is a current research challenge.<ref>{{citation |author1=Woodley, S.M. |author2=Catlow, R. |year=2008 |title=Crystal structure prediction from first principles |journal=Nat Mater |volume=7 |issue=12 |pages=937–946 |doi=10.1038/nmat2321 |pmid=19029928 |bibcode=2008NatMa...7..937W }}</ref> In the early 20th century the scientific consensus was that there existed an absolute [[Astronomy:Frame of reference|frame of reference]], which was given the name ''luminiferous ether''. The existence of this absolute frame was deemed necessary for consistency with the established idea that the speed of light is constant. The famous [[Physics:Michelson–Morley experiment|Michelson–Morley experiment]] demonstrated that predictions deduced from this concept were not borne out in reality, thus disproving the theory of an absolute frame of reference. The [[Physics:Special theory of relativity|special theory of relativity]] was proposed by Einstein as an explanation for the seeming inconsistency between the constancy of the speed of light and the non-existence of a special, preferred or absolute frame of reference.

[[Biography:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]]'s theory of [[Physics:General relativity|general relativity]] could not easily be tested as it did not produce any effects observable on a terrestrial scale. However, as one of the first [[Astronomy:Tests of general relativity|tests of general relativity]], the theory predicted that large masses such as [[Astronomy:Star|star]]s would bend light, in contradiction to accepted theory; this was observed in a 1919 eclipse.

== Medicine and healthcare ==
===Predictive medicine===
{{excerpt|Predictive medicine}}

===Prognosis===
{{excerpt|Prognosis}}

===Clinical prediction rules===
{{excerpt|Clinical prediction rule}}

== Finance ==
[[File:Augur, decentralized prediction market platform.png|thumb|right|220px|[[Prediction market]]]]


Some correlation has been seen between actual stock market movements and prediction data from large groups in surveys and prediction games.

An [[Actuary|actuary]] uses [[Actuarial science|actuarial science]] to assess and predict future business [[Risk|risk]], such that the risk(s) can be [[Social:Emergency management|mitigated]]. For example, in [[Finance:Insurance|insurance]] an actuary would use a life table (which incorporates the historical experience of mortality rates and sometimes an estimate of future trends) to project [[Biology:Life expectancy|life expectancy]].

==Sports==

Predicting the outcome of sporting events is a business which has grown in popularity in recent years.  Handicappers predict the outcome of games using a variety of mathematical formulas, simulation models or [[Qualitative research|qualitative analysis]].  Early, well known sports bettors, such as Jimmy the Greek, were believed to have access to information that gave them an edge.  Information ranged from personal issues, such as gambling or drinking to undisclosed injuries; anything that may affect the performance of a player on the field.

Recent times have changed the way sports are predicted.  Predictions now typically consist of two distinct approaches: Situational plays and statistical based models.  Situational plays are much more difficult to measure because they usually involve the motivation of a team.  Dan Gordon, noted handicapper, wrote "Without an emotional edge in a game in addition to value in a line, I won't put my money on it".<ref>{{cite book | author = Gordon, Dan
 | date = 2005
 | title = Beat the Sports Books
 | publisher = Cardoza
 | location = New York, United States
 | isbn = 978-1-5804-2174-4
 | url = http://cardozabooks.com/BEAT-THE-SPORTS-BOOKS.html}}</ref>  These types of plays consist of: Betting on the home underdog, betting against Monday Night winners if they are a favorite next week, betting the underdog in "look ahead" games etc.  As situational plays become more widely known they become less useful because they will impact the way the line is set.

The widespread use of technology has brought with it more modern [[Social:Sports betting systems|sports betting systems]].  These systems are typically algorithms and simulation models based on [[Regression analysis|regression analysis]]. [[Biography:Jeff Sagarin|Jeff Sagarin]], a sports statistician, has brought attention to sports by having the results of his models published in USA Today.  He is currently paid as a consultant by the Dallas Mavericks for his advice on lineups and the use of his Winval system, which evaluates free agents. Brian Burke, a former Navy fighter pilot turned sports statistician, has published his results of using regression analysis to predict the outcome of NFL games.<ref>{{cite web | author = Burke, Brian
 | date = 2008
 | title = NFL Win Prediction Methodology
 | url = http://www.advancednflstats.com/2007/09/nfl-win-prediction-methodology.html}}</ref> [[Biography:Ken Pomeroy|Ken Pomeroy]] is widely accepted as a leading authority on college basketball statistics.  His website includes his College Basketball Ratings, a tempo based statistics system.  Some statisticians have become very famous for having successful prediction systems.  Dare wrote "the effective odds for sports betting and horse racing are a direct result of human decisions and can therefore potentially exhibit consistent error".<ref>{{cite book
 | author = Dare, William H
 | date = 2006
 | title = Risk Return and Gambling Market Efficiency
 | publisher = Oklahoma State University
 | location = Oklahoma City, United States
 | url = http://finance.ba.ttu.edu/new/documents/researchSeminars/fall2006/Risk%20and%20Gambling%20Market%20Efficiency.pdf
 | archive-date = 2013-07-19
 | access-date = 2012-11-05
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130719203131/http://finance.ba.ttu.edu/new/documents/researchSeminars/fall2006/Risk%20and%20Gambling%20Market%20Efficiency.pdf
 | url-status = dead
 }}</ref>  Unlike other games offered in a casino, prediction in sporting events can be both logical and consistent.

Other more advance models include those based on Bayesian networks, which are causal probabilistic models commonly used for risk analysis and decision support. Based on this kind of mathematical modelling, Constantinou et al.,<ref>{{cite journal|last=Constantinou|first=Anthony|author2=Fenton, N. |author3=Neil, M. |title=pi-football: A Bayesian network model for forecasting Association Football match outcomes|journal=Knowledge-Based Systems|year=2012|volume=36|pages=322–339|doi=10.1016/j.knosys.2012.07.008|citeseerx=10.1.1.420.4110|url=http://www.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/~norman/papers/pi-football%20%20A%20Bayesian%20network%20model%20for%20forecasting%20Association%20Football%20match%20outcomes.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Constantinou|first=Anthony|author2=Fenton, N. |author3=Neil, M. |title=Profiting from an inefficient Association Football gambling market: Prediction, Risk and Uncertainty using Bayesian networks.|journal=Knowledge-Based Systems|year=2013|volume=50|pages=60–86|doi=10.1016/j.knosys.2013.05.008|doi-access=free}}</ref> have developed models for predicting the outcome of association football matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lootrs.com/football-predictions/|title=Football prediction|publisher=Lootrs|access-date =24 Jan 2023|first=Mahesh|last=Patel|date=24 Jan 2023}}</ref> What makes these models interesting is that, apart from taking into consideration relevant historical data, they also incorporate all these vague subjective factors, like availability of key players, team fatigue, team motivation and so on. They provide the user with the ability to include their best guesses about things that there are no hard facts available. This additional information is then combined with historical facts to provide a revised prediction for future match outcomes. The initial results based on these modelling practices are encouraging since they have demonstrated consistent profitability against published market odds.

Nowadays sport betting is a huge business; there are many websites (systems) alongside betting sites, which give tips or predictions for future games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Soccer picks and predictions|url=http://soccerpunt.com/|website=Soccer Punt}}</ref> Some of these prediction websites (tipsters) are based on human predictions, but others on computer software sometimes called prediction robots or bots. Prediction bots can use different amount of data and algorithms and because of that their accuracy may vary.

These days, with the development of artificial intelligence, it has become possible to create more consistent predictions using statistics. Especially in the field of sports competitions, the impact of artificial intelligence has created a noticeable consistency rate. On the science of [https://soccerseer.com AI soccer predictions], an initiative called soccerseer.com, one of the most successful systems in this sense, manages to predict the results of football competitions with up to 75% accuracy with artificial intelligence.

==Social science==

One reason for the peculiarity of societal prediction is that in the social sciences, "predictors are part of the social context about which they are trying to make a prediction and may influence that context in the process".<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Overland|first=Indra|date=2019-03-01|title=The geopolitics of renewable energy: Debunking four emerging myths|journal=Energy Research & Social Science|volume=49|pages=36–40|doi=10.1016/j.erss.2018.10.018|issn=2214-6296|doi-access=free|bibcode=2019ERSS...49...36O |hdl=11250/2579292|hdl-access=free}}</ref> As a consequence, societal predictions can become self-destructing. For example, a forecast that a large percentage of a population will become HIV infected based on existing trends may cause more people to avoid risky behavior and thus reduce the HIV infection rate, invalidating the forecast (which might have remained correct if it had not been publicly known). Or, a prediction that cybersecurity will become a major issue may cause organizations to implement more security cybersecurity measures, thus limiting the issue.<ref name=":0" />

[[File:2004 canadian election approval ratings June 2.png|thumb|right|180px|[[Approval rating]]s (percentages) for the 2004 Canadian federal election]]

In politics it is common to attempt to predict the outcome of elections via [[Political forecasting|political forecasting]] techniques (or assess the popularity of politicians) through the use of opinion polls. Prediction games have been used by many corporations and governments to learn about the most likely outcome of future events.

==Prophecy==
{{Main|Unsolved:Prophecy}}

Predictions have often been made, from antiquity until the present, by using [[Unsolved:Paranormal|paranormal]] or [[Philosophy:Supernatural|supernatural]] means such as [[Unsolved:Prophecy|prophecy]] or by observing [[Unsolved:Omen|omen]]s. Methods including water divining, [[Unsolved:Astrology|astrology]], [[Unsolved:Numerology|numerology]], fortune telling, [[Biology:Oneiromancy|interpretation of dreams]], and many other forms of divination, have been used for millennia to attempt to predict the future. These means of prediction have not been proven by scientific experiments.

In literature, vision and prophecy are literary devices used to present a possible timeline of future events.  They can be distinguished by vision referring to what an individual sees happen. The [[Religion:Book of Revelation|book of Revelation]], in the [[Religion:New Testament|New Testament]], thus uses vision as a literary device in this regard. It is also prophecy or prophetic literature when it is related by an individual in a [[Religion:Sermon|sermon]] or other public forum.

Divination is the attempt to gain insight into a question or situation by way of an occultic standardized process or ritual.<ref>Peek, P.M. ''African Divination Systems: Ways of Knowing.'' page 2. Indiana University Press. 1991.</ref> It is an integral part of witchcraft and has been used in various forms for thousands of years. Diviners ascertain their interpretations of how a querent should proceed by reading signs, events, or [[Unsolved:Omen|omen]]s, or through alleged contact with a [[Philosophy:Supernatural|supernatural]] agency, most often described as an angel or a god though viewed by Christians and Jews as a fallen angel or demon.<ref name="merriamw">[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/divination ''Definition of divination'']</ref>

=== Artificial intelligence in astrology ===
In the 21st century, astrology has increasingly intersected with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. 
Academic research has explored the use of AI models for astrological predictions,<ref>{{cite journal |last=Kanade |first=Shantanu |last2=Kanade |first2=Anuradha |title=Astrological Predictions Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning |journal=Harbin Engineering Journal |volume=44 |issue=7 |year=2023 |pages=1949–1958 |url=https://harbinengineeringjournal.com/index.php/journal/article/download/704/521/1203 |access-date=13 September 2025}}</ref> 
while media outlets have noted the rise of "astro-tech" startups and apps using chatbots and algorithmic models to deliver personalized readings.<ref>{{cite news |title=Astrology is booming, thanks to technology and younger enthusiasts |work=The Economist |date=15 January 2025 |url=https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/01/15/astrology-is-booming-thanks-to-technology-and-younger-enthusiasts |access-date=13 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Is Astrology AI Reliable? Our Astrologer Breaks Down Using ChatGPT to Read Your Birth Chart |work=Teen Vogue |date=24 July 2025 |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/is-astrology-ai-chatgpt-to-read-your-birth-chart |access-date=13 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Can artificial intelligence and astrology work together? |work=India Today |date=3 September 2025 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/can-artificial-intelligence-and-astrology-work-together-2781327-2025-09-03 |access-date=13 September 2025}}</ref> 

Examples include AI-driven astrology chatbots such as [https://kundligpt.online KundliGPT], which use natural language processing to generate birth chart readings and answer user queries.<ref>{{cite web |title= KundliGPT – AI-based Astrology Chatbot |url=https://kundligpt.online |website=KundliGPT |access-date=13 September 2025}}</ref>



==Fiction==
Fiction (especially fantasy, [[Future history|forecasting]] and science fiction) often features instances of prediction achieved by unconventional means. Science fiction of the past predicted various modern technologies.

In fantasy literature, predictions are often obtained through magic or [[Unsolved:Prophecy|prophecy]], sometimes referring back to old traditions. For example, in J. R. R. Tolkien's ''The Lord of the Rings'', many of the characters possess an awareness of events extending into the future, sometimes as prophecies, sometimes as more-or-less vague 'feelings'. The character Galadriel, in addition, employs a water "mirror" to show images, sometimes of possible future events.

In some of [[Biography:Philip K. Dick|Philip K. Dick]]'s stories, mutant humans called ''precogs'' can foresee the future (ranging from days to years). In the story called ''The Golden Man'', an exceptional mutant can predict the future to an indefinite range (presumably up to his death), and thus becomes completely non-human, an animal that follows the predicted paths automatically. Precogs also play an essential role in another of Dick's stories, ''The Minority Report'', which was turned into a film by Steven Spielberg in 2002.

In the ''Foundation'' series by [[Biography:Isaac Asimov|Isaac Asimov]], a mathematician finds out that historical events (up to some detail) can be theoretically modelled using equations, and then spends years trying to put the theory in practice. The new science of [[Unsolved:Psychohistory (fictional)|psychohistory]] founded upon his success can simulate history and extrapolate the present into the future.

In Frank Herbert's sequels to 1965's ''Dune'', his characters are dealing with the repercussions of being able to see the possible futures and select amongst them. Herbert sees this as a trap of stagnation, and his characters follow a so-called "Golden Path" out of the trap.

In Ursula K. Le Guin's ''The Left Hand of Darkness'', the humanoid inhabitants of planet Gethen have mastered the art of prophecy and routinely produce data on past, present or future events on request. In this story, this was a minor plot device.

== Poetry ==
For the ancients, prediction, prophesy, and poetry were often intertwined.<ref name="Foundation">{{Cite web| date=2020-08-22 | first=A. E. | last=Stallings |  title=Poetry and Prophecy | url=https://www.poetryfoundation.org/harriet/2007/11/poetry-and-prophecy | access-date=2020-08-22 | website=Poetry Foundation | language=en}}</ref>  Prophecies were given in verse, and a word for poet in Latin is “vates” or prophet.<ref name="Foundation"/> Both poets and prophets claimed to be inspired by forces outside themselves. In contemporary cultures, theological revelation and poetry are typically seen as distinct and often even as opposed to each other. Yet the two still are often understood together as symbiotic in their origins, aims, and purposes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Franke|first=William|date=2016-05-09|title=Poetry, Prophecy, and Theological Revelation|url=https://oxfordre.com/religion/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.001.0001/acrefore-9780199340378-e-205|access-date=2020-08-22|website=Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion|language=en|doi=10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.013.205|isbn=9780199340378}}</ref>

==See also==
* {{annotated link|Philosophy:Expectation (epistemic)|Expectation}}
* {{annotated link|Forecasting}}
* {{annotated link|Futures studies}}
* {{annotated link|Unsolved:Omen}}
* {{annotated link|Unsolved:Oracle}}
* {{annotated link|Predictability}}
* {{annotated link|Finance:Prediction market}}
* {{annotated link|Predictive modelling}}
* {{annotated link|Medicine:Prognosis}}
* {{annotated link|Prognostics}}
* {{annotated link|Reference class forecasting}}
* {{annotated link|Regression analysis}}
* {{annotated link|Thought experiment}}

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book
 | author=Ialenti, Vincent
 | title = Deep Time Reckoning: How Future Thinking Can Help Earth Now.
 | date = 2020
 | publisher = The MIT Press
 | isbn = 9780262539265
 }}
* {{cite book
 | author=Rescher, Nicholas
 | title = Predicting the future: An introduction to the theory of forecasting
 | date = 1998
 | publisher = State University of New York Press
 | isbn = 0-7914-3553-9
 }}
* {{cite book |title=Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction |year=2016 |first1=Philip E. |last1=Tetlock |first2=Dan |last2=Gardner |author-link2=Dan Gardner (author) |publisher=Crown |isbn=978-0804136716}}


[[Category:Prediction| ]]
[[Category:Scientific method]]

{{Sourceattribution|Prediction}}