Publisher's Synopsis
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
Ethics of risk, including duties toward nonhuman animals and future generations
Risk and sustainability
Decision-making under risk
Including helpful additional features such as text boxes, chapter summaries, review, and discussion questions, Philosophy and Science of Risk: An Introduction is an ideal textbook for students of the philosophy of risk. It is also suitable for students studying the conceptual questions surrounding risk in related subjects, such as sociology, psychology, economics, politics, geography, sustainability, and environmental studies.
