Main description:

Risks in Technological Systems is an interdisciplinary university textbook and a book for the educated reader on the risks of today’s society. In order to understand and analyse risks associated with the engineering systems on which modern society relies, other concerns have to be addressed, besides technical aspects. In contrast to many academic textbooks dealing with technological risks, this book has a unique interdisciplinary character that presents technological risks in their own context.

Twenty-four scientists have come together to present their views on risks in technological systems. Their scientific disciplines cover not only engineering, economics and medicine, but also history, psychology, literature and philosophy. Taken together these contributions provide a broad, but accurate, interdisciplinary introduction to a field of increasing global interest, as well as rich opportunities to achieve in-depth knowledge of the subject. The book is important reading for those who have to consider risks in their professional career, as well as for everyone who wants to develop a well-informed opinion of what is reasonable to believe when reading media reports on various risks.

In addition to being a university textbook, Risks in Technological Systems is an engaging read for policy makers, politicians, psychologists, and planners, as well as the general reader.

Springer Series in Reliability Engineering publishes high-quality books in important areas of current theoretical research and development in reliability, and in areas that bridge the gap between theory and application in areas of interest to practitioners in industry, laboratories, business, and government.

Feature:

Provides a broad and uniquely interdisciplinary introduction to risk in technological systems

Includes contributions from 22 scientists in areas from engineering, economics and medicine, to history, psychology, literature and philosophy

Back cover:

Risks in Technological Systems is an interdisciplinary university textbook and a book for the educated reader on the risks of today’s society. In order to understand and analyse risks associated with the engineering systems on which modern society relies, other concerns have to be addressed, besides technical aspects. In contrast to many academic textbooks dealing with technological risks, this book has a unique interdisciplinary character that presents technological risks in their own context.

Twenty-four scientists have come together to present their views on risks in technological systems. Their scientific disciplines cover not only engineering, economics and medicine, but also history, psychology, literature and philosophy. Taken together these contributions provide a broad, but accurate, interdisciplinary introduction to a field of increasing global interest, as well as rich opportunities to achieve in-depth knowledge of the subject. The book is important reading for those who have to consider risks in their professional career, as well as for everyone who wants to develop a well-informed opinion of what is reasonable to believe when reading media reports on various risks.

In addition to being a university textbook, Risks in Technological Systems is an engaging read for policy makers, politicians, psychologists, and planners, as well as the general reader.

Springer Series in Reliability Engineering publishes high-quality books in important areas of current theoretical research and development in reliability, and in areas that bridge the gap between theory and application in areas of interest to practitioners in industry, laboratories, business, and government.

Contents:

1. Introduction: The Global Risk Arena, Technological Systems, and this Book
2. Reflections on Risks and Technology
3. Risks in the Past and Present
4. The Dangerous Steam Engine
5. Risks and Safety in Building Structures
6. Risks in the Conversion of Energy
7. Chemical and Physical Health Risks - Chemicals, Radiation, and Noise
8. Safety Factors and Exposure Limits
9. How Dangerous Is It To Travel?
10. IT - Risks and Security
11. Vulnerability of Infrastructures
12. Risk Management
13. Risk Analysis
14. Fire and Explosion
15. The Human Factor?
16. The Perceptions of Risks of Technology
17. The Value of a Life
18. Tacit Knowledge and Risks
19. How To Worry in Moderation