The importance of cognitive, motivational and social factors for dealing with unknown risks

Abstract

The development and deployment of technologies and substances (nuclear power, chemical products, genetic engineering) or the introduction of new patterns of behavior (global mobility and networking, novel dietary habits, risky sports such as bungee jumping) represent a quest for new technological options or new ways of life that hold out the promise of economic gain or escape from scarcity, or also novel experiences, enjoyment and forms of structuring or handling one’s life. New opportunities are sought and utilities expected. In this quest, risks are taken. These risks can be known, but can also be quite new, for which no knowledge whatsoever is available; the latter must then be counted as belonging to the Pythia class of risk. For such constellations, it is essential to promote the production of knowledge, but also to promote further forms of risk awareness, such as attitudes, communication structures and processes.