targetimist

Targetimism is a philosophical and economic concept that emphasizes the importance of setting and achieving specific, measurable goals, often in the context of economic development and societal progress. The term was popularized by economist and futurist Herman Kahn in the 1960s, who argued that societies should focus on concrete, achievable targets rather than vague or idealistic aspirations. Kahn believed that by setting clear objectives, societies could better allocate resources, measure progress, and avoid the pitfalls of overambitious or unrealistic goals.

Targetimism is often contrasted with utopianism, which advocates for idealistic, often unrealistic, visions of the future. While utopianism may inspire and motivate, it can also lead to frustration and disappointment when those visions are not realized. Targetimism, on the other hand, seeks to balance ambition with practicality, aiming for incremental but significant improvements over time.

In the context of economic development, targetimism can be seen in the setting of national development plans, such as the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals or the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals provide specific, measurable targets that countries can work towards, allowing for better tracking of progress and resource allocation.

Critics of targetimism argue that it can lead to a focus on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability, and that it may not adequately address systemic or structural issues. However, proponents argue that targetimism provides a clear roadmap for progress and can help to build momentum and commitment towards achieving broader, more ambitious goals.