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Precaution and Progress: Identifying Alternatives

In: Precautionary Risk Management

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  • Mark Jablonowski

Abstract

The consistent application of precaution may lead to the dilemma of unacceptable expense, and eventual impasse (the “dilemma of precaution”). Reasonable precautions make sense, but limiting our precautionary approach in this fashion does not solve the catastrophe problem. A more far-reaching approach to precaution is needed. This approach requires a broader view of progress that depends on analyzing the potential paths of progress (be it economic, scientific or social) with an eye toward possible risks. It makes sense that genuinely effective precautions must occur before the potential for loss is realized. Applied in this manner, precaution may eliminate the activity before its creation leads to a paradoxical position in which we are essentially “stuck” with the activity, for better or for worse. Precaution in this sense is “anti-progress” only to the extent we have already made irreversible progress toward possible disaster.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Jablonowski, 2006. "Precaution and Progress: Identifying Alternatives," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Precautionary Risk Management, chapter 4, pages 51-76, Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-62765-9_4
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230627659_4
    as

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