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Biological and philosophical anthropologies of the 20th century
keep emphasising the "Sonderstellung" of humans among the realm of
living beings. However, it is not clear how this particular role
should be characterised, how it should be reconciled with
biological findings, and which theoretical and practical
conclusions should be drawn from it. Partly in opposition to these
anthropological views on humankind biological disciplines underline
the extensive similarities and common characteristics between
humans and other species. Apparently, these biological findings
concur with the criticism of anthropocentrism, which is expressed
in Western philosophy of nature and by ethicists. To discuss these
issues the Europaische Akademie organized the conference "The
Uniqueness of Humankind - UEber die Sonderstellung des Menschen".
The proceedings of the conference documented in this volume
approached the theoretical and practical concept of the
"Sonderstellung" against the background of present day knowledge in
biosciences. Furthermore, by interdisciplinary efforts, an attempt
was made to clarify those conceptual problems that arise with the
idea of the uniqueness of humankind. The present volume partly
takes up and further develops topics that have been raised by
volume 15, On Human Nature, that was published in this series in
2002.
The Europaische Akademie Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler GmbH is concerned
with the scientific study ofthe consequences of scientific and
technological advance for the individual, society and the natural
environment and, therefore, not least with the study of
consequences of recent developments in life-sciences and medical
disci- plines. The Europaische Akademie intends to contribute to
find a rational way for society to deal with the consequences of
scientific progress. This aim is mainly realised by proposing
recommendations for options of action with long-term social
acceptance. The work of the Europaische Akademie mostly takes place
in tempo- rary interdisciplinary project groups, whose members are
recognised scientists from European universities and other
independent institutes. In the light of recent discussions on the
validity of scientific assumptions con- cerning the extrapolation
ofharmful effects into the low-dose range the Europais- che
Akademie set up a project on "Lew-Dose Exposures in the Environment
their Risk Assessments and Regulatory Processes" in January 2001.
Experts ofradiobi- ology, toxicology, medical epidemiology,
modelling,jurisprudence, psychology and philosophy from different
European countries wcre brought together to discuss cur- rent
scientific developments in environmental standard setting and risk
evaluation of substances and ionising radiation at very low doses
in order to ensure rational, efficient, and fair decisions. I am
glad that by means ofthis memorandum, that continues our work on
envi- ronmental standards and after our recommendations with
respect to the regulation ofcombined agents we can now focus on the
effects and the regulation ofharmful agents in the very low-dose
range.
Biological and philosophical anthropologies of the 20th century
keep emphasising the "Sonderstellung" of humans among the realm of
living beings. However, it is not clear how this particular role
should be characterised, how it should be reconciled with
biological findings, and which theoretical and practical
conclusions should be drawn from it. Partly in opposition to these
anthropological views on humankind biological disciplines underline
the extensive similarities and common characteristics between
humans and other species. Apparently, these biological findings
concur with the criticism of anthropocentrism, which is expressed
in Western philosophy of nature and by ethicists. To discuss these
issues the Europaische Akademie organized the conference "The
Uniqueness of Humankind Uber die Sonderstellung des Menschen." The
proceedings of the conference documented in this volume approached
the theoretical and practical concept of the "Sonderstellung"
against the background of present day knowledge in biosciences.
Furthermore, by interdisciplinary efforts, an attempt was made to
clarify those conceptual problems that arise with the idea of the
uniqueness of humankind. The present volume partly takes up and
further develops topics that have been raised by volume 15, On
Human Nature, that was published in this series in 2002."
The ever-increasing release of harmful agents due to human
activities has led in some areas of the world to heavy pollution.
In order to protect human health and the environment, environmental
standards that shall limit the release and the concentration of
those toxic agents in the environment and hence the exposure to it
have to be established. The related assessment and decision-making
procedures have to be based on solid scientific data about the
effects and mechanisms of these agents as well as on ethical,
social and economic aspects. For risk evaluation, the knowledge of
the dose response curve is an essential prerequisite. Dose
responses without a threshold dose are most critical in this
connection. Such dose responses are assumed for mutagenic and
carcinogenic effects, which, therefore, dominate also the
discussion in this book. In the environmentally important low dose
range, risk estimation can only be achieved by extrapolation from
higher doses with measurable effects. The extrapolation is
accompanied with uncertainties which makes risk evaluation as well
as risk communication frequently problematic. In order to ensure
rational efficient and fair decisions beyond a sound scientific
assessment the dialogue between disciplines, with the affected
people and with the general public is necessary. In this book, the
whole range of relevant and essential aspects of risk evaluation
and standard setting is addressed. Starting with the ethical
foundations, the sound analysis of recent scientific findings sets
the frame for further reflections by theory of cognition,
psychosocial sciences, and jurisprudence. The authors end up with
concluding recommendations for coping with the recentproblems of
standard setting in the field of environmentally relevant low
doses. The book is designed to a readership of scientists,
legislators, administrators, and the interested public.
Die interdisziplinar besetzte Projektgruppe Biodiversitat der
Europaischen Akademie Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler hat sich die Aufgabe
gestellt, den wissenschaftlichen Sachstand aus den verschiedenen
Disziplinen zusammenzutragen und die diversen, auf der Grundlage
fachspezifischer Methoden entwickelten Konzepte gemeinsam zu
untersuchen.In den in diesem Band versammelten Ergebnissen finden
sich entsprechend neben den rein naturwissenschaftlichen auch
relevante erkenntnis- und wissenschaftstheoretische Fragen sowie
juristische und oekonomische Aspekte diskutiert. Damit bietet das
Buch einen guten UEberblick uber den Diskussionsstand und eine
solide Grundlage fur die weitere wissenschaftliche Diskussion.
Die interdisziplinar besetzte Projektgruppe Biodiversitat der
Europaischen Akademie Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler hat sich die Aufgabe
gestellt, den wissenschaftlichen Sachstand aus den verschiedenen
Disziplinen zusammenzutragen und die diversen, auf der Grundlage
fachspezifischer Methoden entwickelten Konzepte gemeinsam zu
untersuchen.In den in diesem Band versammelten Ergebnissen finden
sich entsprechend neben den rein naturwissenschaftlichen auch
relevante erkenntnis- und wissenschaftstheoretische Fragen sowie
juristische und oekonomische Aspekte diskutiert. Damit bietet das
Buch einen guten UEberblick uber den Diskussionsstand und eine
solide Grundlage fur die weitere wissenschaftliche Diskussion.
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