Conceptualizing uncertainty: an assessment of the uncertainty framework of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Wüthrich, Nicolas (2016) Conceptualizing uncertainty: an assessment of the uncertainty framework of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In: Recent Developments in the Philosophy of Science: EPSA15 Düsseldorf. European Studies in the Philosophy of Science. Springer Berlin / Heidelberg. (Submitted)

PDF - Accepted Version Registered users only Download (451kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

We are facing uncertainties regarding climate change and its impacts. To conceptualize and communicate these uncertainties to policy makers, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has introduced an uncertainty framework. In this paper, I assess the latest, most developed, version of this framework. First, I provide an interpretation of this framework, which draws from supporting documents and the practice of its users. Second, I argue that even a charitable interpretation exhibits three substantial conceptual problems. These problems point towards untenable assumptions regarding evidence aggregation in the context of climate scientific findings. Third, I put forward a tentative roadmap for improving the uncertainty framework.

Item Type:	Book Section
Official URL:	http://www.springer.com/series/13909
Divisions:	Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BD Speculative Philosophy G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography
Date Deposited:	20 Sep 2016 12:05
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2023 10:01
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/67794

Actions (login required)

View Item