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Understanding Life‐Threatening Risks

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  • Ralph L. Keeney

Abstract

Modern science and medicine, and increasing prosperity, have brought many benefits to our society, but not without costs. One cost is that some of the technological innovations and new activities bring with them different and perhaps greater risks that threaten our lives. Any problem involving life‐threatening risks is complex, so it is difficult to think through all the implications of the alternatives proposed to address it. This paper presents a number of “facts” to guide constructive thinking about decisions concerning life‐threatening risks. The intent is to help us appraise alternatives, design public policy and laws, and communicate about specific risk problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Ralph L. Keeney, 1995. "Understanding Life‐Threatening Risks," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(6), pages 627-637, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:15:y:1995:i:6:p:627-637
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.1995.tb01334.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Miley W. Merkhofer & Ralph L. Keeney, 1987. "A Multiattribute Utility Analysis of Alternative Sites for the Disposal of Nuclear Waste," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 7(2), pages 173-194, June.
    2. Keeney, Ralph L, 1994. "Mortality Risks Induced by the Costs of Regulations," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 95-110, January.
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    5. Chapman, Kenneth S & Hariharan, Govind, 1994. "Controlling for Causality in the Link from Income Mortality: Errata," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 8(3), pages 320-320, May.
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    7. John D. Graham & James W. Vaupel, 1981. "Value of a Life: What Difference Does It Make?," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 1(1), pages 89-95, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. James Hammitt & Nicolas Treich, 2007. "Statistical vs. identified lives in benefit-cost analysis," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 45-66, August.

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