Final answer:
Hazards are events with outcomes that cannot always be precisely predicted due to imperfect information, but can often be mitigated through various strategies. The philosophy similar to the precautionary principle applies, emphasizing cautious actions when potential environmental impacts are not fully understood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two basic assumptions regarding hazards that a student must consider are: hazards cannot always be predicted and hazards can be prevented to some extent. It's crucial to understand that while we can forecast general patterns or probabilities of events occurring based on historical data and risk assessments, the occurrence of a specific hazard event cannot be known with certainty in advance. This is similar to the concept of imperfect information in insurance, where insurers cannot perfectly predict individual events (such as car accidents or illnesses) due to variability among people and the randomness of certain events.
For example, in the imperfect information scenario of insurance, companies use historical data and risk categorization to estimate the likelihood of future claims. However, the unpredictability of human behavior and the complexity of risk factors mean that precision in predictions is not always achievable. Therefore, the fourth option, suggesting that hazards cannot be prevented, is incorrect as hazards can often be mitigated with the right strategies, although complete prevention is not always possible.
The philosophy driving the approach to uncertain hazards is similar to the precautionary principle, which suggests that if the effects of an action on the environment are not fully understood, it is better to proceed with caution. It aligns with the concept that some level of harm may exist and precautions should be considered to minimize potential negative impacts.