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Abstract

Sustainable development is a common goal in the public sector but may be difficult to implement due to epistemic uncertainties and the long time frames required. This paper proposes that some of these problems can be solved by formulating cautious utopias, entailing a relationship between means and goals differing from both utopian and realistic goal-setting. Cautiously utopian goals are believed, but not certain, to be achievable and to remain desirable, but are open to future adjustments due to changing desires and/or factual circumstances. Quality criteria for such goals are suggested.


Published in

Ethics, Policy and Environment
2015, volume: 18, number: 2, pages: 188 - 202

SLU Authors

  • Baard, Patrik

    • Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)

UKÄ Subject classification

Ethics

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21550085.2015.1070487

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/87288