When failure is an option: redundancy, reliability and regulation in complex technical systems

Downer, John (2009) When failure is an option: redundancy, reliability and regulation in complex technical systems. CARR Discussion Papers (DP 53). ESRC Centre for Analysis of Risk and Regulation, London, UK. ISBN 9780853283959

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Abstract

This paper argues that redundancy in engineering, should be understood as a 'design paradigm' that frames regulatory assessments and interpretations of all complex technical systems, profoundly shaping decisions and judgements about modern technologies. It will further argue that the 'redundancy paradigm' used by regulators contains epistemic ambiguities that lead to imperfect predictions about the effects of redundancy in practice. By deconstructing the logic of redundancy in relation to aviation regulation, this paper illuminates much wider issues about technology governance.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	http://www.lse.ac.uk/CARR
Additional Information:	© 2009 The Author
Divisions:	Centre for Analysis of Risk & Regulation
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
JEL classification:	H - Public Economics > H0 - General
Date Deposited:	08 Jun 2011 09:53
Last Modified:	13 Sep 2024 20:13
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/36537

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