(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2014-03-06)
Holbrook, J. Britt; Briggle, Adam
This essay argues that principles should play a limited role
in policy-making. It first illustrates the dilemma of timely action in the
face of uncertain unintended consequences. It then introduces the
precautionary and proactionary principles as different alignments of
knowledge and action within the policy-making process. The essay next
considers a cynical and a hopeful reading of the role of these principles in
public policy debates. We argue that the two principles, despite initial
appearances, are not all that different when it comes to formulating public
policy. We also suggest that allowing principles to determine our actions
undermines the sense of autonomy necessary for true action.