Precautionary principle

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Precautionary Principle

The Precautionary Principle (pronunciation: /prɪˈkɔːʃənəri ˈprɪnsɪpəl/) is a strategy for approaching issues of potential harm when extensive scientific knowledge on the matter is lacking. It emphasizes caution, pausing, and review before leaping into new innovations that may prove disastrous.

Etymology

The term "Precautionary Principle" originates from the German word "Vorsorgeprinzip," which can be translated as "precaution principle." This principle was implemented in German environmental policy in the 1970s.

Definition

The Precautionary Principle is defined as the concept where if an action or policy has the potential to cause harm to the public or the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus, the burden of proof falls on those advocating for the action or policy. This principle allows policy makers to make discretionary decisions in situations where there is the possibility of harm from taking a particular course or making a certain decision when extensive scientific knowledge is lacking.

Related Terms

  • Risk Assessment: The process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking.
  • Environmental Policy: Refers to the commitment of an organization to the laws, regulations, and other policy mechanisms concerning environmental issues.
  • Scientific Consensus: Collective judgment, position, and opinion of the community of scientists in a particular field of study.
  • Burden of Proof: The obligation to present evidence to support one's claim or argument.

Application

The Precautionary Principle is most commonly applied in the context of the impact of human actions on the environment and human health, as both involve complex systems where the consequences of actions may be unpredictable.

Criticism

Critics of the Precactionary Principle argue that it is impractical, since every implementation of a new technology carries some risk of negative consequences. Others argue that it stifles innovation by focusing on potential negative outcomes.

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