Introduction

Abstract

AbstractReflective equilibrium (RE) is widely regarded as an important philosophical method—yet despite this high regard, we find strikingly few cases in which it is actually and explicitly applied. This chapter introduces the main ideas of reflective equilibrium, gives an overview about how it has been applied so far, and identifies desiderata for a case study on the applicability of reflective equilibrium as a method. I argue that the justification of a precautionary principle (PP) provides ideal content for such a case study: PPs are intended as principles that guide decisions concerning threats of uncertain, but potentially serious or even catastrophic harm. While the basic idea of PPs—“better safe than sorry”—is intuitively plausible, it is contested how it should be spelled out as a normative principle. It thus provides an ideal case to test whether RE can indeed be used to provide clarification and justification of philosophical principles and theories.