Precautionary principle as a basic principle in environmental politics

Abstract

The precautionary principle is one of the most controversial principles of the contemporary environmental policy. Theoretical determination and practical use of this principle is stipulated by science which has to control and gives direction to the society to be less risky for present and future generations by its arguments. Domination of science in theoretical and practical determination of the precaution principle is at the same time limited by a current roles of politics and economy in modern societies. In practice the precaution principle shows the power ration among politics, science, society and environment. This work is dealing in analysis of political and economical controversis which arise from application or non application of this principle in solving environmental and social problems on national and international level. Accordingly, the subject of analysis is a conflict of standpoints and arguments of its supporters and opposers, their identification and real interests behind their beliefs. The work presents a case study of BSE or 'mad cow desease' as an example of applying the precaution principle. .

Princip predostrožnosti je jedan od najkontroverznijih principa savremene ekološke politike. Teorijsko određenje i praktična primena ovog principa uslovljena je ulogom nauke koja treba da svojim dokazima kontroliše i usmerava društvo u pravcu koje će biti manje rizično za sadašnje i buduće generacije. Dominantnost koju nauka ima u teorijskom i praktičnom određenju principa predostrožnosti je ujedno i ograničena ulogom koju politika i ekonomija trenutno imaju u savremenim društvima. U praksi princip predostrožnosti pokazuje koji je odnos snaga između politike, nauke, društva i životne sredine. Rad se bavi analizom političkih i ekonomskih kontroverzi koje proizilaze iz primene ili neprimene ovog principa u rešavanju ekoloških i društvenih problema na nacionalnom i međunarodnom nivou. U tom smislu, predmet analize jeste sukob stavova i argumenata pristalica i protivnika ovog principa, njihova identifikacija i stvarni interesi koji iza njih stoje. U radu je kao primer primene principa predostrožnosti izložena studija slučaja BSE ili 'bolesti ludih krava'. .