ABSTRACT
In this chapter the study of risk in conservation is placed in the broad context of the politics and philosophy of the preservation of cultural heritage. The structure of the book, and its attempt at a logical progression through tools, concepts, information and examples, is described. There is encouragement to experience the excitement and beauty of using graphs, equations and mathematical modelling. There are warnings about a rigid reliance on quantification. Attitudes to risk and regulation are discussed. Finally, there is a stipulation about the dangers of anthropomorphism and an invitation to learn the skills of thinking logarithmically.
