The gap between experts and laymen can be overcome by taking the public’s emotions seriously when it comes to risky technologies like nuclear power and immunization programmes. This will lead to more humane technology and a more humane society, according to Sabine Roeser who will speak on behalf of the Socrates humanitarian foundation during her inauguration as an endowed Professor of Political Philosophy and Ethics at the University of Twente. Sabine Roeser will combine her part-time professorship with a job as an associate professor at TU Delft.
Currently many debates on risky technologies fall into one of two traps: the technocratic or the populist trap. The technocratic trap affords no room to emotions or morality in the debate. The technocratic approach is one of statistics and quantitative information. Emotions are dominant in the populist approach: the risky technology cannot go ahead without popular support. Roeser: "In my theory of risk-emotions I step away from the dichotomy between reason and emotion. I call for an 'emotional deliberation approach', in which emotions feature prominently. I do so by expressly and explicitly discussing the underlying reasons that people feel and react the way they do."
Sabine Roeser presents her theory on the basis of two examples, the debate on nuclear energy and the debate on climate change. In the debate on nuclear power, supporters often say that their opponents are ill-informed, emotional and irrational. However, a fruitful debate on nuclear power needs to do justice to both quantitative, empirical information as well as to the public's emotions and moral concerns. With regard to climate change, Roeser thinks that emotions themselves might be the missing link in the climate debate: emotions can be used to highlight the moral aspects of the issue and encourage environmentally conscious behaviour.
Roeser's approach leads to a better understanding between experts and laymen. Both parties will be more willing to give and take if they feel that they are being taken seriously. Roeser: "The process may seem time-consuming, but ultimately it is more effective and beneficial."
About Prof. Sabine Roeser:
Sabine Roeser is a Socrates Professor at the University of Twente and an associate professor at TU Delft. She researches risk, intuition, emotion and moral values. She has published many articles and six books, including the 2010 book Emotions and Risky Technologies.
Prof. Sabine Roeser will deliver her inaugural speech on 1 December at 16:00 in the Professor M.P. Breedveld room in the Waaier building at the University of Twente.
Note to the press
For further information, members of the press should contact Martine van Hillegersberg, Communication Advisor, +31 (0)6-20432674 or +31 (0)53-4895432, UT Press Relations Division. The inaugural speech 'Morele emoties en risicopolitiek' (Moral emotions and risk politics) is available in electronic format on request.
(c) Photo frontpage: Willem Pekel
