Risk, Society and Ethics (SAM525)
The course explores concepts and theories related to risk as a social and political issue. It introduces and discusses fundamental principles of social science and philosophy, as well as approaches to risk across various disciplines. This course provides essential knowledge about risk, society, and ethics, highlighting the importance of understanding risk, safety, and security in contemporary society. Emphasizing key conceptual and empirical topics, the course offers an introduction to the main theories surrounding risk as a sociocultural concept, including notions of modernity and the implications of the ‘risk society.’ Additionally, the course addresses ethics and ethical dilemmas associated with risk regulation and societal safety and security. Given the interdisciplinary nature of risk and safety studies, the course underscores the importance of integrating different scientific approaches. It focuses on concepts and frameworks for understanding the role of, and methods for uniting, various disciplines and perspectives
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
SAM525
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
The focus of the course is on how risk, societal safety, and security relate to the philosophy of social science.
The course provides a historical overview and introduces fundamental concepts in the philosophy of social science, risk, risk governance, and societal safety and security. Topics covered include the main principles of the philosophy of social science, modernity, the risk society, governmentality, safety, and ethical dilemmas associated with risk and risk governance. The course also addresses ethics in risk management and risk governance, as well as general ethical norms. Furthermore, it discusses dilemmas in applying precautionary principles in societal safety and security, along with generic and practical trade-offs between liberty and safety/security.
The course offers an overview of different approaches to risk and societal safety related to philosophical foundations. Issues covered include:
- actions, norms, and institutions
- explanation and understanding
- realism versus constructivism
- individual versus collective risk
- conceptual versus empirical topics in societal safety and security
Additionally, the course focuses on understanding risk, safety, and security in various institutional and organizational contexts. This includes discussions on human behavior, the operation of technological systems, and the role of regulation and social institutions. It also involves in-depth discussions on approaches to major contemporary crises and challenges, such as climate change and digitalization.
Learning outcome
Upon completing the course, students will have acquired the following knowledge, skills, and general competence:
Knowledge
- understand how social science philosophy relates to various approaches to risk and societal security and safety
- understand the relationship between explanation and understanding
- know how social science approaches to risk and security have developed historically in recent years
- have knowledge of how ethical norms and dilemmas relate to risk management and societal security
Skills
Connect various theories and concepts in risk and societal security and safety to fundamental principles in the philosophy of science, which means being able to explain:
- action theory, norms, and institutions
- realism and constructivism
- different explanatory models in social science theory
- early modernity, late modernity, and the risk society
- governance, regulation, and authority related to risk
- ethical behavior and dilemmas related to risk
- participate in theoretical discourses on risk and security
General Competence
Students who complete the course will be able to:
- update their knowledge of theories and concepts as well as research methodology and methods for studying risk, security and safety
- critically assess their own discipline
- be theoretically and methodologically prepared for their master’s thesis
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 1/1 | 5 Hours | Letter grades | Dictionary |
The written exam is conducted digitally. Schoolexam. Can be answered in Norwegian or English.