This open access book provides the first explicit case study for an application of the method of reflective equilibrium (RE), using it to develop and defend a precautionary principle. It thereby makes an important and original contribution to questions of philosophical method and methodology. The book shows step-by-step how RE is applied, and develops a methodological framework which will be useful for everyone who wishes to use reflective equilibrium. With respect to precautionary principles, the book demonstrates how a rights-based precautionary principle can be constructed and defended.

The case study succeeds in demonstrating that RE can be successfully applied and puts real constraints on the justification process. This is all the more remarkable as the case study was designed as an open-ended process, without presupposing any specific results. This book will be highly relevant both to people interested in philosophical methodology and epistemology, as well as to researchers who are interested in using philosophical methods and tools and applying them to practical problems.

First detailed and explicit application of a comprehensive account of the method of reflective equilibrium Groundbreaking work on the justification of moral principles such as the precautionary principle Provides a methodological framework for researchers who want to apply RE This book is open access, which means that you have free and unlimited access

Autorentext
Tanja Rechnitzer is a philosopher working at the intersection of practical and theoretical philosophy. She is especially interested in how we can make philosophical methods and tools fruitful for practical problems - but also in what we can learn from such practical applications on a theoretical level. Rechnitzer is currently an assistant professor at the Leibniz University Hannover, Germany.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Reflective Equilibrium: The Method and its Applications.- 3. Precautionary Principles.- 4. Design of the Case Study.- 5. Case Study, Part 1: Developing a Candidate System.- 6. Case Study, Part 2: Focus on the Process of Adjustments.- 7. Case Study, Part 3: Reaching a State of Reflective Equilibrium?.- 8. Results and Discussion.- 9. Towards a Toolbox for Applying RE.- 10. Conclusion.- 11. Appendix.