Abstract

This paper explores a framework for thinking about risks inherent in emerging technologies; given uncertainty about the magnitude—or even nature—of those risks, deliberation about those technologies is challenged. §1 develops a conceptual framework for risk, and §2 integrates that conception into cost-benefit analysis. Given uncertainty, we are often pushed toward precautionary approaches, and such approaches are explored in §3. These first three sections are largely literature review, and then a positive argument for how to think about the relationship between risk, precaution, and uncertainty is offered in §4.

Recommended Citation

Allhoff, Fritz (2009) "Risk, Precaution, and Emerging Technologies," Studies in Ethics, Law, and Technology: Vol. 3 : Iss. 2, Article 2.
DOI: 10.2202/1941-6008.1078
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/selt/vol3/iss2/art2