Preparationbeing

Preparationbeing is a neologism used in some philosophical and speculative contexts to refer to a mode of existence characterized by ongoing preparation for a range of potential futures. The term blends preparation and being, signaling a stance toward time where the future partially informs present action.

Key features include anticipatory agency, non-fixed identity, and adaptive responsiveness. It treats time as a horizon of possibilities rather than a linear sequence; decisions and identities are rehearsed, not fixed. This concept emphasizes processes over final states, suggesting that action is continually shaped by imagined contingencies rather than solely by past or present conditions.

Applications and examples range from urban planning that remains ready for multiple climate scenarios, to individuals who practice decision rehearsals, to narrative devices in speculative fiction that explore contingency, responsibility, and the limits of control. In theory, preparationbeing encourages resilience and reflexivity, as agents consider how various futures might unfold and how their current commitments adapt accordingly.

Philosophically, preparationbeing raises questions about freedom, authenticity, and the politics of anticipation, as well as the ethics of preparing for others’ futures. Critics argue that the concept can be vague, difficult to operationalize, and potentially instrumentalize contingency. Supporters counter that it highlights the relevance of foresight and adaptability in a world of uncertainty.

See also: preparedness, anticipatory systems, phenomenology, ethics of uncertainty.