This is a 2000 (+/- 10%) word assignment for the subject Catastrophes as Turning Points. It requires an analysis of the Ebola outbreak using three different theories – normal accident theory, high reliability organisation theory and man-made disaster theory. As per the below instruction, this essay will examine each of these theories with regards to Ebola – each provides a different explanation of the cause, as well as whether or not there was a turning point present. Please refer to uploaded documents for further details.
One, provide an account of how conflicting theories of catastrophe can be seen in
disagreements about the causes of that catastrophe. Two, how do you think these various
accounts about what caused (or might cause) a catastrophe shape what are taken to count as a turning point? Third, by reflecting upon your own preferences with regard to managing risk, what did count, or would have counted, or should count, as a turning point for you?
