What type of knowledge helps us to anticipate future events?

Predictive knowledge is essential for anticipating future events, as it involves using existing data and information to forecast what might happen under certain conditions. This type of knowledge combines analysis of trends, patterns, and historical data to provide insights that can help inform decision-making and strategic planning. In social work practice, for instance, predictive knowledge can guide interventions by projecting the potential outcomes of various actions, thereby enabling social workers to take proactive measures rather than reactive ones.

While descriptive knowledge pertains to understanding current or past situations, prescriptive knowledge focuses on recommending specific actions based on existing data. Empirical knowledge emphasizes information obtained through observation or experimentation, which may inform understanding but does not inherently provide foresight into future events. Therefore, it is predictive knowledge that specifically equips individuals to foresee possibilities based on established evidence and trends.