A Rational Reconstruction of the L'Aquila Case: How Non-Denial Turns into Acceptance. (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feldbacher-Escamilla, Christian J.
• Is Part Of: Social epistemology. Volume 33:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 503
• Page End: 513
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: L'Aquila 2009 earthquake -- public inclusion -- expert-laypeople communication -- risk communication; Social epistemology -- Periodicals; 121
• DOI: 10.1080/02691728.2019.1672825
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-1728

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In 2009, an earthquake struck the city L'Aquila, causing more than 300 deaths and leading to a trial which lasted almost four years and – though cleared in the appeal – in which scientists were sentenced to imprisonment for failing to adequately assist in public decision-making. In this paper, the particular role of scientists in risk assessment communication is investigated. The arguments put forward in the trial of this case are rationally reconstructed, evaluated, and our results are compared with other analyses of this case.