Discussion: The Precautionary Principle in the Risk Management of Modern Biotechnology

The precautionary principle is presumed to provide guidance when our scientific
knowledge of the harmful effects of a proposed activity is significantly incomplete.
In this paper, I will identify a three-part structure shared by every formulation of the
precautionary principle. Second, the paper claims that the implementation of the
precautionary principle has to deal with many currently open questions and problems.
Third, I argue that two particular criticisms do not lead to abandonment of the
principle.

Keywords: precautionary principle, modern biotechnology, risk management