Paper's abstract

Jean de Kervadoué, The Useless Cost Of The Precautionary Principle. The Example Of Covid-19
In the light of the Sars-coV-19 epidemic, the article shows that, once again, the precautionary principle was of no use in preventing the epidemic and limiting its effects. The reason is simple: it may be difficult to predict an uncertain event but it is always impossible to take proportionate measures to prevent its damage. Proportionate to what when the essential is not known? Not only is this principle useless, but it is also at the root of costly abuses in the areas of mobile telephony, agriculture, energy and health, especially since the courts have agreed to extend its scope. Could it be otherwise for a principle whose intellectual roots are found in the writings of Hans Jonas, who recommends "listening to prophecies of doom" rather than to reason? Finally, analyzing the work of the French Convention citoyenne sur le climat, this article shows that by trivializing expertise, the precautionary principle allows for brilliant manipulations. It is a principle of fear that leads to useless expenses but also to drama and social paralysis. How many demonstrations of its uselessness will be necessary to remove it from the environmental charter?

Key Words : Covid - prevention
t. 62, 2020 : p. 349-363

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