Justifying precautionary policies: Incommensurability and uncertainty

摘要: Abstract When decisions are taken in conditions of Keynesian or Knightian uncertainty, and when there is a threat serious irreversible environmental damage, the Precautionary Principle often recommended to guide decision-making. However, has been widely criticised. In response these criticisms, qualitative version developed which draws its normative content from blend formal decision theory political philosophy. It argued that precautionary action can be justified by some flexible combination uncertainty incommensurability. The ‘greater’ ‘less’ incommensurability required justify action, vice versa. Throughout paper, arguments explored using example climate change problems.