Defending
the precautionary principle against three criticisms; 366-381
Marko Ahteensuu
University of Turku,
Finland
Abstract. The precautionary principle that calls for early
measures to avoid and mitigate uncertain environmental damages (and health
hazards) in the future has come to the fore in risk debates. This paper
evaluates three criticisms which have been presented in academic discourses, in
political arenas, and also in public discussions in order to reject the principle
altogether. In particular, the criticisms are labelled as the argument from
vagueness, the argument from incoherence, and the argument from adverse
effects. It is argued that these objections do not result in the abandonment of
the precautionary principle on the whole, but only of its particular
implausible interpretations. The conclusion drawn is that the burden of proof
remains with the ones who reject the principle.
Keywords: environmental law and policy, risk governance,
environmental risks, precautionary principle, vagueness, incoherence, adverse
effects, health hazards, uncertainty, ambiguity, burden of proof
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