Humankind and the Environment: An Anatomy of Surprise and Ignorance

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of 'ignorance' in philosophy and science, particularly with respect to the conceptualization, study and solution of environmental problems. We begin by distinguishing between 'risk', 'uncertainty' and 'ignorance'. We then offer a categorization of ignorance, and use these categories to assess the role of science as a means of reducing ignorance. We note that to proceed with science, several 'acts of faith' are necessary. We conclude with a discussion of the importance of an attitude of openness in science and philosophy, especially regarding environmental problems. Throughout, we illustrate our discussion of ignorance, and the problems involved in its reduction, by reference to environmental issues. AN ANATOMY OF SURPRISE AND IGNORANCEsheer number of specializations has mushroomed, as has the complexity of most of them.

Conceptualising uncertainty in environmental decision-making: The example of the EU water framework directive

“…On quite different ways it is pointed out that uncertainty needs to be dealt with when developing solutions for environmental problems (e.g. Faber et al 1992;Handmer et al 2001;Harremoes 2003;Morgan and Henrion 1990;Pahl-Wostl 2002, 2007. This can be observed very well within the present discussion about climate change and possible consequences for water management where a long-term and global perspective is crucial (BMU 2007;Pahl-Wostl et al 2006).…”

“…Brown et al 2005;Faber et al 1992;Funtowicz and Ravetz 1990;Klauer and Brown 2004;Smithson 1989;van Asselt 2000;Wynne 1992). Within a literature study we investigated to what extent these approaches are suitable to describe uncertainty in the implementation process of the WFD.…”

“…Within a literature study we investigated to what extent these approaches are suitable to describe uncertainty in the implementation process of the WFD. For this purpose, the theory of probability, the classical economic decision-making theory and the taxonomies of uncertainty of Faber et al (1992), Brown et al (2005) and were further analysed. It could be shown that these approaches fail to provide a sufficiently deep insight into the phenomenon of uncertainty affecting the decisions within the WFD (Sigel in press).…”

The Justice Dimension of Sustainability: A Systematic and General Conceptual Framework

“…What can we do?" [72]. Thus, assumptions about one's possibilities of knowing also have implications for one's possibilities of acting.…”

Against High Discount Rates

“…As a result, it is reasonable to expect "surprises" (Faber et al, 1992) -the occurrence of outcomes that were unforeseen and indeed unforeseeable.…”