Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

The post-normal sciences of precaution.

J Ravetz1

  • 1RMC, London, UK. jerry_ravetz@lineone.net

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
|November 25, 2005
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Uncertainty and precaution in environmental management.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research·2005
Same author

Experiences with the NUSAP system for multidimensional uncertainty assessment.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research·2005
Same author

Public is concerned about gene testing.

BMJ (Clinical research ed.)·1997
Same journal

Pyrolysis temperature shapes the structure and filtration capacity of spent-coffee-ground biochar for 1-μm microplastics and bacteria removal from wastewater.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research·2026
Same journal

Effect of cooling and cover material on the performance of a solar humidification-dehumidification system used for brine concentration.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research·2026
Same journal

Comparative multi-criteria assessment of decentralized wastewater treatment technologies for coastal tourist communities and island slaughterhouses: a design framework with uncertainty analysis for Latin America.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research·2026
Same journal

An improved relative frequency method for flood season partitioning.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research·2026
Same journal

Drivers of wastewater dynamics: a statistical analysis of England's large wastewater treatment works.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research·2026
Same journal

A review on modification of piezoelectric materials for wastewater treatment: mechanisms, applications, and future perspectives.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research·2026
See all related articles

Science is now compromised, requiring a shift from technocratic to precautionary approaches. Post-normal science, involving an extended peer community, is crucial for decision-making amid uncertainty.

Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • Environmental Management
  • Risk Assessment

Background:

  • Historical optimism in scientific progress is challenged by emerging complexities and risks.
  • The traditional technocratic, reductionist, and corporate-controlled approach to science is increasingly inadequate.
  • A paradigm shift is needed, moving from assuming safety until proven dangerous to a more cautious stance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To advocate for a transition to 'post-normal' science characterized by precaution.
  • To contrast 'applied science' and 'professional consultancy' with the demands of post-normal conditions.
  • To highlight the necessity of an 'extended peer community' for robust decision-making.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis contrasting different scientific approaches (normal science, applied science, professional consultancy, post-normal science).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Identification of key characteristics of post-normal science: uncertain facts, disputed values, high stakes, and urgent decisions.
  • Proposal for integrating an 'extended peer community' and their 'extended facts' into scientific dialogue.

    • Main Results:

    • The technocratic model is insufficient for contemporary scientific challenges.
    • Post-normal science offers a framework for navigating complex issues where scientific certainty is limited.
    • An extended peer community is essential for gathering diverse knowledge and values in decision-making.

    Conclusions:

    • A precautionary, post-normal approach to science is necessary to address current societal and environmental challenges.
    • Embracing an extended peer community enhances the quality and legitimacy of scientific decision-making.
    • Initiatives like those by Poul Harremoës and the conference on Uncertainty and Precaution exemplify the post-normal programme.