Opinion: how values drive decisions in science, not data

Dr Erman Sozudogru (UCL Science & Technology Studies) discusses how the choice between different methods of controlling the Covid-19 outbreak is one of differing values, rather than just pure science. The outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in a range of emergency responses and policy strategies across the globe. While scientists are working around the clock to enhance our understanding of this disease, there is no conclusive data that can determine the best method to combat COVID-19. What drives decisions is our value judgements. Philosophers of science spend a lot of time thinking about the role of social, economic and ethical values in science. While we like to think that science is largely free of values, they often play an important role in the way we interpret the results of scientific practices. This philosophical insight can help us understand the complexities and challenges in deciding the best way to combat this outbreak.