Philosophy and Science of Risk - An Introduction

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