Risk Analysis and Risk Management: An Historical Perspective |
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Authors: | Vincent T. Covello Jeryl Mumpower |
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Affiliation: | Division of Policy Research and Analysis, National Science Foundation, 1800 G St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20550.;Graduate School of Public Affairs, State University of New York at Albany, 135 Western Ave., Albany, New York 12222. |
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Abstract: | This paper reviews the history of risk analysis and risk management, giving special emphasis to the neglected period prior to the 20th century. The overall objective of the paper is to: (1) dampen the prevailing tendency to view present-day concerns about risk in an ahistorical context; (2) shed light on the intellectual antecedents of current thinking about risk; (3) clarify how contemporary ideas about risk analysis and societal risk management differ significantly from the past; and (4) provide a basis for anticipating future directions in risk analysis and management. |
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Keywords: | History of risk analysis probability theory risk analysis risk management |
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