Leader: Francesca Pongiglione (UNISR); Other collaborator(s):
This task is concerned with describing the epistemic responsibility of policy makers in terms of acquiring information about the needs of the population. First, the concept of epistemic responsibility needs to be properly described in order to understand what it entails. For this purpose, it is also useful to consider, in the context of health care choices, the epistemic responsibility of other actors involved (e.g., physicians).
A literature review on the topic has been conducted, a lot of studies were gathered and analyzed specifically in the context of vaccines (a good example of sanitary choice).
There are no industrial or scientific implications. Policy implications: citizens are often confused/uncertain about their health and how to improve it. When faced with the option of undertaking a vaccine, many personal factors influence the decision, far more then empirical evidence on effectiveness or safety.
An in depth investigation on the sources of information people declare to be drawing from, for taking sanitary decisions, has been conducted. People only partially relate to what their physicians suggest; and are generally extremely skeptical towards the institutions.
There are no industrial or scientific implications. Policy implications: lack of trust in institutions is a serious problem in many western countries. Information institutions spread on scientific/health issues is often perceived as been biased or however spoiled by political ideology.
A paper on the topics above has been drafted and submitted to Topoi. It was eventually accepted for publication after two rounds of peer review. Publication is expected in February 2025.
Pongiglione, F., Slank, S. (forthcoming 2025) On the normative complexity of Covid-19 vaccine refusal. Topoi. An International Review of Philosophy