The reliability science: Its foundation and link to risk science and other sciences

Abstract

Several authors have recently questioned whether reliability is a science and a new science. The current paper follows up this discussion. It is argued that reliability is indeed a science and it is important that it is broadly acknowledged as such. This science is defined as the practice that provides us with the most warranted statements (justified beliefs) that are made by the reliability field or discipline; it covers concepts, theories, principles, approaches, methods and models for understanding, assessing, characterizing, communicating and managing reliability, with applications. The key pillars for this science are outlined. It is argued that reliability science can be viewed as a special case of risk science. Links to other sciences, like probability and statistics, are also discussed.