Philosophy and Science of Risk

What is risk? How do we assess risk? What are the ethical implications of risk? The concept of risk is important ¿ sometimes even crucial ¿ for many philosophical domains, from philosophy of science and technology to ethics and sustainability. Philosophy and Science of Risk is a clear, wide-ranging introduction to this urgent and fast-growing subject. It covers the following key topics:

¿ The philosophical and historical background to understanding and interpreting risk

¿ The meaning of risk and how it differs from closely related concepts, such as uncertainty or dangers

¿ The social construction of risk

¿ Risk perception and risk as an object of scientific study

¿ The measurement of risk, its probability and severity

¿ Risk and scientific modeling

¿ Risk, value judgments, and expertise

¿ Risk management, including cost-benefit analysis and the precautionary approach

¿ Risk communication, including deliberative models