Values First, ‘Following the Science’ Second, in Epidemic Management

Description

Page: 160-167

Likhwa Ncube (Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, South Africa)

This paper argues that for decision-makers in public health epidemic management, values take precedence over ‘following the science’. This is despite the prevalent emphasis during the Covid-19 pandemic on ‘following the science’. The paper argues that the disproportionate focus on ‘following the science’ is disingenuous as effective Covid-19 management requires tailored interventions considering a country’s demographics, economic circumstances, and specific objectives. These interventions should go beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and, crucially, commence with values. The paper proposes a categorization of the phrase ‘following the science’ into descriptive, methodological, and normative senses. This categorization aims to explicitly define a new set of meanings for this commonly used but ambiguous phrase during the Covid-19 pandemic. Using South Africa’s Covid-19 management as an example, the paper illustrates that decision-makers prioritize specific values and goals, such as ‘flattening the curve’, reducing mortality, and sustaining the economy. While science offers evidence and insights into interventions, it does not prescribe which values to prioritize. As interventions should align with decision-makers’ priorities, goals, and aims, values take precedence over ‘following the science.’