Potentialpossibility

Potentialpossibility is a coined term used to describe the transitional space between potentiality and possibility within a system or discourse. It denotes a set of future states that are both attainable given current conditions and worthy of consideration as viable options.

Concept and scope: The term combines two classic ideas from philosophy and planning. Potentiality refers to the capacity to develop or change, while possibility refers to the range of outcomes allowed under constraints. Potentialpossibility names the subset of those outcomes that are realistically actionable in the near term, rather than merely theoretical.

Origins and usage: The term is not part of standard philosophical vocabulary. It appears mainly in informal discussions, thought experiments, and interdisciplinary work such as strategy, risk assessment, and AI planning, where practitioners seek to distinguish between unlikely futures and ones that could be pursued with available resources.

Applications: In scenario planning, potentialpossibility helps map outcomes that are feasible and relevant. In project management or design, it serves as a criterion for prioritizing features or experiments. In AI and robotics, it can guide planning under uncertainty by focusing on options that are both computationally tractable and aligned with objectives.

Limitations: Because it lacks formal definition, interpretation varies. Use requires explicit context to avoid ambiguity about feasibility, desirability, and timing.

See also: potentiality, possibility, modal logic, scenario planning, futures studies.