Summary/Abstract |
The realm of ‘nuclear technology’ is amongst the most beguiling subjects of the human civilisation for the fact that words like ‘atom’ and ‘radiation’ have engendered both lasting fear as well as abounding hope in many. However, what is less certain is why it has entrenched such strong group (pro- and anti-nuclear) alignments. Fingers point towards the ‘risk’ associated with nuclear technology; but risk perception is a “combination of facts and fears, intellect and instinct, reason and gut reaction”; it is a ‘subjective’, not a purely rational and fact-based process. Therefore, any hasty response to a perceived risk may pose a danger by itself. Moreover, risk is calculated by multiplying the probability of the consequence by the severity of the consequence. On the other hand, the unrealised lofty goal of abundant energy through the nuclear route and a few nuclear disasters have given rise to public scepticism.
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