This article aims to explore anticipation from an ontological point of view and to analyze in particular some of Nicolai Hartmann's ideas.
The paper presents a conceptual analysis of an ontological theory of anticipation.
Analyzing philosophical problems related to “futures” and “anticipation”, to the framework of modal categories, and connecting Hartmann with Ludwig von Bertalanffy and comparing the outcome with some Artistotelian theses, offers a philosophical perspective on futures studies.
The “human” phenomenon of anticipation will be defined as possibly the only form of authentic anticipation, interpreted as a teleological act.
The result is obtained through the distinction, articulated for each level of reality, among different kinds of determination.
