courses/objects/post-normal-science.html
2003.06.21
New tasks connected to sustainability require new intellectual tools.
The structure and properties related to the phenomenon of sustainability are complex.
"Systems that are complex are not merely complicated; by their nature they involve deep uncertainties and a plurality of legitimate perspectives."
irreducible uncertainties
multiplicity of legitimate perspectives
scientists are supposed to speculate as part of their inquiry process
contains risk and uncertainty (sometimes irreducible uncertainty)
environmental standards need to include peoples' values
extended peer communities should be consulted for their experience and methods for articulating values
wider range of viewpoints explored
An unintential post-normal process
mad cow disease in Britain
experts said that there was minimal risk of transmission and expansion of the disease
skeptics were marginalized and dismissed
when it did happen, it was the revulsion (values) of the public that drove the process
the government had to accept uncertainty and turn to peer network (of non-traditional participants) to resolve the problem