Uncertainty and Decision Making

Catalog description

Knowledge is always incomplete, yet decisions must be made. Explores uncertainty and its relation to decision making, with a particular focus on the ways that science and science-derived information is applied with the intent of improving decisions. Explores the many meanings and origins of uncertainty, using theoretical and case-based approaches. A central theme is the relation among uncertainty, scientific prediction, and decision making, especially in politically charged issues, for example as related to management of the environment. Ultimately understands how effective decisions can be made in the face of inevitable uncertainties and contested knowledge.