A Note on Methodology

Thus far, I have steadfastly avoided discussing methodology. But this series of essays is a very crude example of one kind of writing that I think will become more popular in the next century. I have offered a description of a possible world. Others may wish to offer other views. Readers and critics can pick apart the assumptions and conclusions the way we would dissect a logical argument today. If the arguments are believable then it is up to the readers to decide if that is a world in which they would like to live. If not, they must explore other possible worlds until they find the one they wish to bring about. Speculative fiction will be an important vehicle for evaluative possible worlds.
A great deal was left unsaid regarding methodology. What are the categories of logical fallacies regarding futures speculations? What kinds of counter arguments are valid or invalid ? Is the "chicken and egg" problem a real problem or just a faulty construct ? I wanted to begin developing a methodology for this kind of writing while writing the essays, but the task became to great.
Imagine being in a dark cave and finding a flashlight. For a period of time your attention will be focused on becoming familiar with the cave. Then, assume over time you not only become familiar with the cave but you have electrical lighting installed. So the cave is fully lit and you can carry a light into any connecting passage. Next you realize or discover that there is treasure in the cave, but you need a treasure map to find it. You now take the lighting for granted and search for the treasure map. The twentieth century provided us with electrical lighting (the epistemology of science). In the next century we will look for the treasure map (moral philosophy). Will we find that treasure map? Well, you'll just have to hang around to find out.