Abstract

This article aims to show the main proposals of Ulrich Beck about how the technological risks function in the context of the so-called second modernity, in order to expose their implications in terms of new forms of reflexivity in complex societies. We analyze the relationship between reflexivity, scientific knowledge and epistemological pluralism to understand how technological risks, posed with an increasing force, question the authority of science, therefore leading to new areas of organization, conducive to claim various groups excluded from public discussions on scientific and technological matters. In this paper, we try to provide some important elements for analysis of current problems regarding the risks and dangers technologically produced, allowing us to locate different forms of reflexivity in contemporary social environments. Therefore, we want to show the validity of the main tenets offered on the sociology of risk and the theory of reflexive modernity in relation to notions proposed by CTS studies in philosophy of science, specifically based on the approach of post-normal science raised by Silvio Functowicz and Jerome Ravetz, who problematize, like Beck, reflective political dimension of technological risks, however, he does it with a more epistemological emphasis which appears to an interdisciplinary and dialogical horizon concerning knowledge of the risk. Making this junction between both perspectives, allow us in our view, to understand the relevance of the contributions of the sociology of risk and expand their thoughtful routes in relation to other social philosophical fields

Abstract

International audience; In addition to identifying safety deficiencies evidenced by accidents, the independent investigative body makes recommendations to eliminate or reduce these deficiencies. Its main purpose is to advance transportation safety by conducting investigations of accidents in rail and other modes of transportation. He must answer several questions: what happened, why did it happen, and what can be done to reduce the risk of it happening again? In this process, one of the difficulties involved is finding abnormal accident scenarios which are capable of generating a specific hazard. This paper proposes an original method based on machine learning to assist investigators experts in their crucial task of analysis and assessment of the safety for railway transport systems in France. This contribution is based on the use of artificial intelligence techniques and has involved the development of several approaches and tools which assist in the modeling, storage and assessment of knowledge about safety. The proposed approach has two objectives, firstly to record and store experience concerning safety analyses, and secondly to assist those involved in the development and assessment of the systems in the demanding task of evaluating safety studies.

Abstract

Friction plays a key role in causing slipperiness as a low coefficient of friction on the road may result in slippery and hazardous conditions. Analyzing the strong relation between friction and accident risk on winter roads is a difficult task. Many weather forecasting organizations use a variety of standard and bespoke methods to predict the coefficient of friction on roads. This article proposes an approach to predict the extent of slipperiness by building and testing an expert system. It estimates the coefficient of friction on winter roads in the province of Dalarna, Sweden using the prevailing weather conditions as a basis. Weather data from the road weather information system, Sweden (RWIS) was used. The focus of the project was to use the expert system as a part of a major project in VITSA, within the domain of intelligent transport system