Seminar at AIT
A seminar on Influence of Post-normal Science on Engineering Practise entitled From Positivistic Industrialization to Risk Assessment and Adaptive Management will be conducted by Prof. Poul Harremoes, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Technical University of Denmark. The seminar will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 2:00-3:30 p.m. in room E222, Academic Building.
Prof. Harremoes is a well-known authority in the environmental management field. He is a recipient of the prestigious 'Stockholm Water Prize', and more recently, the 'Heineken Prize'. Prof. Harremoes is a Visiting Professor at AIT for January 2003 term. He is teaching the course, 'ED0998A: Environmental Management and Ethics'.
ABSTRACT
Post-normal science is the development of science after a shift of paradigm. In this case, the shift is caused by questions raised about a basic concept of design based on knowledge and experience perceived to be a reliable basis for prediction of the performance of engineering structures. The confidence in such predictions has been challenged on many issues, not the least issues like dam construction, technical risk assessment and issues related to health and environment. The public in Europe has responded with skepticism to numerous examples of failures. The incidence with 'Mad Cow Disease' has had substantial influence on the system; not the least, on the role of institutions and the role of experts as policy advisers.
The public perception of risk may be quite different to the perception of risk among the experts. The result of a cost-benefit analysis depends by definition on the preferences of the public. That is an element that may change the result of the analysis from positive to negative. The framing of the issue is frequently different in a group of experts as compared to the public at large. The new trend is adaptive management, according to which it is realized in advance that a decision may be wrong. The management issues have to be handled in accordance with that realization. The difference in attitude to Genetically Modified Organisms between USA and EU is a striking example of differences in perception of potential benefits versus risks, both quantities associated with significant uncertainty and ignorance.
The seminar is free of charge. For more information please contact
Khun Suchitra Piempimsest, EEM, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), AIT at fax: (66)-2524-5625 [for local 0-2524-5625]. Email: suchitra@ait.ac.th