The Precautionary Principle
Principle that actions with uncertain but potentially catastrophic outcomes should be avoided. When harm is possible, burden of proof lies with action-taker. Applied to GMOs, climate change, AI, nuclear power. Strong version: prohibit until proven safe. Weak version: proceed cautiously with monitoring. Critique: stifles innovation, everything has risks. Defense: irreversible harms require caution. Tension with permissionless innovation. Existential risk elevates precaution. Balance between progress and safety.
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