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The Precautionary Principle and the Uncertainty Paradox

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  • Marjolein B.. A. van Asselt
  • Ellen Vos

Abstract

In this article, it is argued that uncertainty and risk are intermingled and that this has severe consequences for risk regulation. First, uncertainty and risk are considered in the context of the precautionary principle from a theoretical point of view. On the basis of an interdisciplinary reflection, it is concluded that a paradox can be observed. Subsequently it will be investigated how this so-called uncertainty paradox works out in practice. This will be done by analysis of the Pfizer case, situated at the EU level. In this case, that related to the use of antibiotics as a growth promoter in the production of meat, the precautionary principle was used as policy and legal principle. The analysis will detail the regulatory complexities that result from the contradictions in precautionary thinking. In conclusion suggestions will be advanced for regulatory reform in the broader sense, including the role of experts, and an interdisciplinary research agenda will be proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Marjolein B.. A. van Asselt & Ellen Vos, 2006. "The Precautionary Principle and the Uncertainty Paradox," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(4), pages 313-336, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:9:y:2006:i:4:p:313-336
    DOI: 10.1080/13669870500175063
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Theofanis Christoforou, 2003. "The precautionary principle and democratizing expertise: A European legal perspective," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 30(3), pages 205-211, June.
    2. Jonathan B. Wiener & Michael D. Rogers, 2002. "Comparing precaution in the United States and Europe," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 5(4), pages 317-349, October.
    3. Peter Weingart, 1999. "Scientific expertise and political accountability: paradoxes of science in politics," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 26(3), pages 151-161, June.
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    Cited by:

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    5. Varios Autores, 2016. "Lecturas Sobre Derecho Del Medio Ambiente. Tomo Xvi," Books, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Facultad de Derecho, number 852.
    6. Behnam Taebi & Jan H. Kwakkel & Céline Kermisch, 2020. "Governing climate risks in the face of normative uncertainties," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 11(5), September.
    7. Chen, Yangyang & Dou, Paul Y. & Rhee, S. Ghon & Truong, Cameron & Veeraraghavan, Madhu, 2015. "National culture and corporate cash holdings around the world," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 1-18.
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    10. Florence Metz & Karin Ingold, 2017. "Politics of the precautionary principle: assessing actors’ preferences in water protection policy," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 50(4), pages 721-743, December.
    11. Engel, Nora, 2008. "Flexibility and innovation in response to emerging infectious diseases: Reactions to multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis in India," MERIT Working Papers 2008-076, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    12. Robin Gregory & Graham Long, 2009. "Using Structured Decision Making to Help Implement a Precautionary Approach to Endangered Species Management," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(4), pages 518-532, April.
    13. Iván Darío Gómez Lee, 2016. "La Seguridad Jurídica. Una Teoría Multidisciplinaria Aplicada A Las Instituciones Vol.Ii," Books, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Facultad de Derecho, number 851.

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