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Science, precaution, and the politics of technological risk. Converging implications in evolutionary and social scientific perspectives

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 23:28 authored by Andrew StirlingAndrew Stirling
This paper examines apparent tensions between science-based,precautionary, and participatory approaches to decision making on risk. Partly by reference to insights currently emerging in evolutionary studies, the present paper looks for ways to reconcile some of the contradictions. First, I argue that technological evolution is a much more plural and open-ended process than is conventionally supposed. Risk politics is thus implicitly as much about social choice of technological pathways as narrow issues of safety. Second, it is shown how conventional science-based risk assessment techniques address only limited aspects of incomplete knowledge in complex, dynamic, evolutionary processes. Together, these understandings open the door to more sophisticated, comprehensive, rational, and robust decision-making processes. Despite their own limitations, it is found that precautionary and participatory approaches help to address these needs. A concrete framework is outlined through which the synergies can be more effectively harnessed. By this means, we can hope simultaneously to improve scientific rigor and democratic legitimacy in risk governance.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

ISSN

0077-8923

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Volume

1128

Page range

95-110

Pages

16.0

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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