Think Risk

1 The heart of risk science makes sense

DOI: 10.4324/9781003329220-2

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you will develop further knowledge on aspects of:

• Basic features of risk and risk science
• The importance of values in understanding and managing risk
• How to interpret risk in practical situations

Imagine it’s the 1960s and the United States is in a space race to be a leader in the development of aerospace expertise, particularly human spaceflight. The newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is faced with the unprecedented task of sending an astronaut into Earth’s orbit, and soon later, the moon. These initiatives involve incredible opportunity, enabling the United States to achieve one of its ...