1. Risk and Society:
People with Ethics and Faith
International Disaster and Risk Conference
Davos/Switzerland 26-30 August 2012
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stückelberger, University of Basel
Executive Director/ Founder of Globethics.net, Geneva
stueckelberger@globethics.net. www.globethics.net
28-08-12

2. 1 Globethics.net
Three Theses
1. The main risk factor in disasters is the human being.
Five types are especially risky for humanity.
2. The role of religions (positive and negative) in
disaster and risk management has to become a larger
focus.
3. Solutions for risk and disaster management have to
include ethics education, spiritual foundations and
barriers/sanctions against the five types of human
beings.
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3. 1. Human beings: 5 risk groups
The main risk factor in disasters is the human being. Five
types are especially risky for humanity:
1.The Gambler Wallstreet, play boy
2.The Narzist incurvatus in se
3.The Elitist “I am the solution”
4.The Fatalist “We cannot do anything”
5.The Fundamentalist ”My truth with any cost”
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4. 2. Religions. 5 types
The role of religions (positive and negative) in disaster
and risk management has to become a larger focus.
In each religion, five types exist, with different capability
to respond adequately to disasters and risks
1.Fundamentalist: scripture: literal interpretation
2.Orthodox: scripture+tradition, religious authorities
3.Reformist: scripture+contextualisation, inculturation
4.Liberal: scripture+autonomy, individual conscience
5.Mystical: scripture+spiritual way for unity with God
My view: the reformist perspective is best prepared for
risk management. Stueckelberger 28-08-12 4

5. 2.3a Profile of Liberal Positions
literal
authority traditional
autonomy
contextual
mystical
Stueckelberger 28-08-12 5

6. 2.3b Profile of Mystical Positions
literal
authority traditional
autonomy
contextual
mystical
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7. 2.3c Profile of Reformist Positions
literal
authority traditional
autonomy
contextual
mystical
Stueckelberger 28-08-12 7

8. 2.3d Profile of Orthodox Positions
literal
authority traditional
autonomy
contextual
mystical
Stueckelberger 28-08-12 8

9. 2.3e Profile of Fundamentalist Positions
literal
authority traditional
autonomy
contextual
mystical
Stueckelberger 28-08-12 9

10. 1. Solutions
Solutions for risk and disaster management have to
include ethics education, spiritual foundations and
barriers/sanctions against the five types of human
beings.
Ethics education: to enable persons for compassion,
care, community
Spiritual roots: needs good theology and credible
religious leaders
Barriers and sanctions to hinder the “bad guys”
(gamblers, narzists, elistists, fatalists and
fundamentalists) to continue as before.
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11. Tarima Kasih
asante sana धन्यवाद (Danyavad)
thank you
merci gracias
danke grazie
28-08-12