Caution! The Floor is Wet

In human history, new developments have been a mixed bag of benefits and hazards. Often times, hazards haven’t been accounted for until long after signs of them appear. The article Six Reasons Why We Need Precaution, by Peter Montague, focuses on the possible benefits of increased government efforts to prevent potential risks and promote safer alternatives, in the pursuit of new technology. Additionally, it explores the benefits of cautionary philosophy in managing businesses and supporting environmental movements.

With increased regulation, our country could cut down on spending for damage control and better protect its citizens when new and old tech show issues that are hazardous to society. One method the author promotes shifting the burden of proof to those who benefit from an activity rather than potential victims as a means to increase response times when possible risks are uncertain. While companies have to pass initial tests for their products, continuing to maintain that level of responsibility on the producer would help dissuade misconduct and allow for faster government intervention in the case that issues with the product emerge. The biggest issue with this method is its reliance on government management and the possibility of safe new products being dropped on fickle publicity alone, but the benefits are enough that it’s worth looking into.

While many may view the government promoting environmentally friendlier options as interfering too much with the free market, funding already is and should be used in regards to the economy and the environment. This option would fulfill both by promoting environmentally friendly businesses and products, as well as putting more money in consumers’ hands to spend on products they desire. It has been successfully implemented before and is worth further research on what products would be the best to promote and how they can be optimized before funding their use and sale to citizens.

As far as managing businesses go, increased government regulation would help protect society, but the article fails to establish how much spending is worthwhile and where to use it. Given the growing gap in the distribution of wealth, and the increasing influence of businesses on politics, government regulation of businesses is an important topic. It’s just that, without further examples of how and why current systems aren’t working, it’s hard to determine if the plans he recommends have accounted for current issues in the system.

The article’s varied plans for handling different issues in today’s society came across as well structured and most were surprisingly feasible. Furthermore, for many of the ideas for reform the author addressed possible benefits to society, the environment, and the economy.