ABSTRACT
If the questions raised earlier are to be resolved and carried forward into social action, social capability, then Futures Studies (FS) must continue along its path toward wider legitimation. In this process the question of professional standards in the futures arena is a major issue. This chapter begins with a possible rationale. It summarizes the emergence of FS in order to contextualize two questions: what is a futurist and, how can one become a futurist? It considers various proposals for establishing standards, including a code of ethics. A number of questions about professional capabilities and behaviour are posed and some provisional answers are given. The general conclusion is that for FS to fulfil its potential it must pursue quality in every area.
