PERCEPTION OF RISK IN ENERGETICS

Abstract

!e work deals with different ways in which risk is perceived by experts in energetics and laymen. !e experts
analyze the risk of a situation rationally, analytically and objectively – and they believe that they have reached the real risk. In contrary, they think that laymen depend on the perception of risk, which is subjective,
irrational, wrong and manipulated. Such divided attitudes have finally resulted in open disagreements and
frustration between laymen and experts, which can be seen particularly in energetics.
!e first part of the work deals with the importance of understanding the perception of risk.
!e second part talks about two different ways of perceiving risk. For a long time research has ignored the
experiential-associative way of analyzing risk. Only new research includes the dual theory of information
processing and perception. In the third part the most important aspects which influence the perception of
risk are dealt with, as are different world views of individuals (personal convictions). In the fourth and fifth
parts are analyzed the perception of risk in energetics, in two actual cases: perception of global warming
and building of nuclear power plants. !e conclusion emphasizes how experts are the ones who should better
understand and recognize the importance of the perception of risk in energetics, and further influence their
perception in public