Multi-Criteria Evaluation

In my opinion the substantial meaning of multi-criteria evaluation in a social context is simply tolerance and democracy. Complex systems i.e. all real-world systems, present multiple possible descriptions all of them correct. Complexity is then a property of the appraisal process rather than a property inherent to the system it-self. As a consequence, any model is the representation of reality resulting from a number of arbitrary assumptions, implying the existence of two or more different correct representations of the same real-world system. All the arguments and convictions discussed in this chapter have led me to the development of the concept of Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE), whose main principles are: - The use of a multi-criteria framework is a very efficient tool to implement a multi/inter-disciplinary approach. - Public participation is a necessary component but not a sufficient one. Participation techniques are a tool for improving the knowledge of the problem at hand and not for receiving inputs to be used uncritically in the evaluation process. Social participation does not imply lack of responsibility for scientists and policy makers. - Ethical judgements are unavoidable components of the evaluation exercise. These judgements always influence heavily the results. As a consequence, transparency on the assumptions used is essential. In this framework, of course mathematical aggregation conventions play an important role, i.e. to assure that the rankings of policy options obtained are consistent with the information and the assumptions used.

MUNDA Giuseppe; 

2006-02-23

Edward Elgar

JRC32642

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC32642,