Ontology and ethics of risk: uncertainty in the era of climate change and new technologies

As a world dominated by climate change, disruptive technologies, globalisation, and political instabilities comes in the spotlight, the concept of risk has become both pressing and evasive. This study examines the philosophical foundations of risk and reveals its definitional, epistemic, and normative aspects, while addressing the consequences of risk on a practical level for science, technology, and decision-making. The paper argues that risk is a contested concept that is influenced by probability, uncertainty, and vulnerability; that it is an epistemic construction mediated through models, knowledge systems, and institutional framings; and that it poses a moral challenge facing issues of responsibility, justice and inter-generational equity. Applying theoretical supports such as Beck's theory of risk society, Knight's risk versus uncertainty, and the ethics of responsibility. While Jonas presents risk in the broader contexts of resilience, governance, and legitimacy. From discussing climate governance, artificial intelligence, and systemic global risks, the case studies show that philosophical insight can help to inform decision-making in uncertainty and can influence institutional reactions. The key point is that risk should not be sent back to a technical or probabilistic calculation but understood as a multidimensional phenomenon at the intersection of knowledge, power, and ethics. By proposing a conceptual framework, which attempts to integrate ontology, epistemology, and ethics, this paper adds to current debates of the philosophy of risk and points to paths towards more resilient and responsible governance for addressing the global challenges of our time.