Risk as the major defining characteristic of contemporary society.
The seminar will delve into crucial aspects of risk perception, analysis, and societal implications (ethics of risk). We will gain insights into the various conceptions of risk, with a special emphasis on measurable risk and the intriguing concept of 'normal risk', explore essential dimensions of risk, including uncertainty—addressing strategies for decision-making, discuss the significance of ignorance and how to account for the lack of critical information in especially technological development.
It is also important to examine the crucial dimension of accountability—deciphering - who decides how to deal with technological advancements and the associated legitimization processes.
An important part of the seminar is to analyze in-depth case studies ranging from the space shuttle accident to the aftermath of radioactive fallout following the Chernobyl disaster, and to understand the complexities and implications of these real-world events.
We will discuss about risk management and societal approaches to handling risk, uncertainty, and ignorance and explore diverse perspectives and strategies employed by societies.
Additionally, we will have a look at and discuss Ulrich Beck's influential Book "Risikogesellschaft" (1985, in English as "Risk Society" since 1992). Beck identifies risk as the major defining characteristic of contemporary society. Beck argues that modern science and technology have shaped a society in which the creation of wealth has been overtaken by the production of risk.
Learning results:
After successful participation in the course, participants will
- have an overview about the different conceptions of what is called risk, with a focus on the two main concepts of measurable risk and so called 'normal risk';
- be able to analyze central dimensions of risk: Uncertainty – how to act if outcomes are not sure. Ignorance- to take into account that you might not know important facts about a technological development. Accountability – who decides how to deal with technological developments, with what kind of legitimization?
- be able to analyze Case studies from the space shuttle accident to radioactive fallout after Chernobyl;
- talk about societal modes of handling risk, uncertainty and ignorance, and aspects of risk management;
- have gained insight into the theoretical background of the conceptions of "risk society" (U. Beck) and "society as a laboratory".
Contact
Tatsiana Radziyeuskaya
Qualification management