The Explanatory Power(s) of Unintended Consequences (original) (raw)
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UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: A CONCEPTUAL REVISIT FROM A SOCIAL
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Weak and Strong Unintended Consequences
Research Networks No, 2003
This paper outlines an analysis of unintended consequences of social a ction. The paradigm used for this analysis is game theory as, despite its non-credible assumptions about the rational abilities of social actors, it meets a key requirement of the analysis of unintended consequences: it clearly states which consequences the actor actually intended. A division is made between consequences which, although unintended, were predictable in game theoretic terms and those which were not. The first type (best exemplified by the well known "prisoners' dilemma") arise in systems of action referred to as "simple", since actors, even if they do not personally know each other, are easily able to predict the unintended outcome. I shall call these consequences "weak unintended consequences". The second type (best exemplified by two-level g ames in international relations) arise in systems of action referred to as "complex", since actors cannot predict the ultimate consequences of a large chain of interconnected actions. I shall call this second type of consequences "strong unintended consequences". Examples of both are provided. KEY WORDS game theory, rational choice, systems of action, two-level games, unintended consequences And let me speak, to th' yet unknowing world, How these things came about; so shall you hear Of carnall, bloody and unnatural acts, Of accidental judgements, casual slaughters, Of deaths put on by cunning, and forced cause, And in this upshot, purposes mistook, Fallen on th'inventors' heads: all this can I Truly deliver. W. Shakespeare, Hamlet.
Unintended but not unanticipated consequences
The concept Bunanticipated consequences,^coined by Robert K. , has largely been replaced in current social science by its putative synonym, Bunintended consequences.^This conflation suggests that Bunintended^consequences are also Bunanticipated,^effectively obscuring an interesting and real category of phenomena-consequences that are both unintended and anticipated-that warrant separate attention. The first part of this article traces the conflation of Bunintended^and Bunanticipated,^and explains why it occurred. The second part argues the need for a clear distinction between what is unintended and what is unanticipated, and it illustrates the failure of the present concept of Bunintended consequences^to do so and the consequences that has for social and political analysis.
Unintended by Design: On the Political Uses of “Unintended Consequences”
Engaging Science, Technology, and Society, 2020
This paper revisits the term “unintended consequences,” drawing upon an illustrative vignette to show how it is used to dismiss vital ethical and political concerns. Tracing the term to its original introduction by Robert Merton and building on feminist technoscience analyses, we uncover and rethink its widespread usage in popular and scholarly discourses and practices of technology design.
The problem of the unintended consequences of human actions
Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks, 2023
The problem of the unintended consequences of human actions Hence all the fruitless industry to account for the ill appearances of nature [and life], and to save the honour of the gods; while we must acknowledge the reality of that evil and disorder, with which the world so much abounds. (David Hume) […] in a world that was a part of an "ethical, cosmic order", in a world in which human powers were directed according to the needs of unification and harmony, the tragedy would not be possible. (Max Scheler
People in positions of responsibility in business and banking and construction and politics, whose decisions and actions contributed directly to the current economic difficulties in Ireland and elsewhere, had no intention of bringing about those difficulties, or of destroying their own businesses. They were carrying out their work and making money. Some may have had misgivings at times, or even moral qualms, but they went ahead; now we have the consequences. Unintended consequences may result from someone driving home following several alcoholic drinks. And from bishops and others who were concerned for the reputation of the church and of their priests. And from investigative journalists who go for a good story. All can be blinded by too narrow a focus on their own speciality, and in the process may wreak havoc. If we fail to consider the consequences of our actions, we are on dangerous ground.
How the 'Unintended Consequences' Story Promotes Unjust Intent and Impact
In the guise of critical analysis of the limits of law reform, the familiar phrase “unintended consequences” serves to rationalize rising inequality and to undermine democratic accountability. This paper examines how the phrase promotes a story of disentitlement, using the recent financial crisis as an example. By naturalizing inequality as power beyond law’s reach, this phrase’s message that benign law is likely to bring unequal consequences dovetails with a seemingly contradictory message that benign intent, rather than harmful impact, is what primarily counts for evaluating inequality. As part of a LatCrit XV symposium taking a “bottom-up” view of the recent economic downturn, this paper links the recent crisis to longstanding colonial and neoliberal policies facilitating upward redistribution and plundering of natural resource wealth in developing nations. Here, the global financial industry tapped the home equity cultivated by large numbers of middle-income or working class Ame...
CALL FOR PAPERS: Managing the Unintended: Externalities, Side-Effects and Overflows in Everyday Life
CALL FOR PAPERS. 5th Workshop on Unintended Consequences. Managing the Unintended: Externalities, Side-Effects and Overflows in Everyday Life. Poland, Warsaw 8-9 May 2017. Guest speaker: Barbara Czarniawska – University of Gothenburg. The deadline for submission of abstracts is 15 December 2016. See also CfP for this edition mini-workshop on Dealing with the Unintended in Ecology, Animal Rights and Wildlife Conservation http://unintended.uw.edu.pl/5th-workshop-on-unintended-consequences-\_-warsaw-8-9-may-2017/mini-conference-dealing-with-the-unintended-in-ecology-animal-rights-and-wildlife-conservation/ Organizers: Polish Sociological Association: Sociology of Law Section & Warsaw Department. Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw: Institute of Sociology. The Maria Grzegorzewska University: Institute of Sociology and Philosophy. University of Warsaw: Institute of Applied Social Sciences. WWW http://unintended.uw.edu.pl/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnintendedConsequencesWorkshops/