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THE NOTION OF SAFETY IN THE TURBULENT WORLD

E. Shchekotin

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to consider the directions of notion transformation of safety in conditions of the modern world. The concept of turbulent society is offered, where, by means of the term turbulence, two most characteristic features of this society – unpredictability and fluidity are emphasized. The conceptualization of turbulent society is based on theoretical resources of non-classical ontology. The reality of turbulent society is postulated through the concepts of a network and an assemblage. The predominant notion of safety is being analyzed. Safety is defined by the concept of threat today. The concept of threat corresponds properly to actual reality of the stable world; threat reveals through the conflict situations in which the circle of the involved parties is outlined and their intentions are defined. The notion of safety as counteraction to threat leans on fundamental assumption concerning the existence of a steady frame of the relations in which participants and their relationship are defined. In a turbulent society such ideology of safety isn't relevant as for the effective answer to the arising challenges. The state which is responsible for the safety strengthens the control mechanisms under its citizens in returns, so that it limits the democracy mechanisms. Therefore, there is a need to reconsider the concept of safety. The ideology of safety has to be formulated in terms of risk and uncertainty. The uncertainty in the article is understood as unpredictability of consequences (direct results and side effects) as the result of actors' activity. Unpredictable consequences become the subject of public discussion. The risk is considered as such a form of uncertainty where some consent is already reached in regard to it, i.e. consequences, their extent of impact on society and the nature was established as a result of discussion of all interested parties. The offered notion of safety is based on an imperative of public discussion in deciding the questions of security measures and development of personal competences. The solutions in the sphere of safety have to become the subject of extensive discussion and public consensus. At the same time, there is the necessity in the efforts directed on the formation of competences to provide overcoming of the atmosphere of fear and a panic.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2015/b31/s11.099

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