Majszak, Mason and Martini, Carlo (2026) Metaphors and values in the communication of climate tipping points. Synthese.
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Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the use of non-epistemic values in the communication of scientific information. We examine how values, by way of the precautionary principle, have been used to move from a deeply uncertain scientific concept, climate tipping points, to a metaphor which promotes political action. We argue that the precautionary principle has been used to produce a metaphor which idealizes the tipping point context. The idealization highlights specific features that are relevant for decision-making, including the potential for catastrophe, while omitting others, such as the deep uncertainty related to specific climate tipping points. We discuss the negative impacts of using precautionary principle-like reasoning when communicating about tipping points, highlighting the potential to (1) mischaracterize the uncertainty present within the decision-making context, and (2) further politicize a scientific debate to the point of hyperpolarization. We conclude that when communicating about deeply uncertain events the precautionary principle ought to be used as a meta-principle directed at the research community, the more-research-needed argument, rather than as a decision-making principle for policy.
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| Item Type: | Published Article or Volume | |||||||||
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| Keywords: | Values; Science communication; Deep uncertainty; Precautionary principle; Climate tipping points | |||||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Climate Science and Meteorology General Issues > Science and Society General Issues > Values In Science |
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| Depositing User: | Dr. Mason Majszak | |||||||||
| Date Deposited: | 23 Feb 2026 15:26 | |||||||||
| Last Modified: | 23 Feb 2026 15:26 | |||||||||
| Item ID: | 28319 | |||||||||
| Journal or Publication Title: | Synthese | |||||||||
| DOI or Unique Handle: | 10.1007/s11229-026-05492-2 | |||||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Climate Science and Meteorology General Issues > Science and Society General Issues > Values In Science |
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| Date: | February 2026 | |||||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/28319 |
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