All Else Equal: Making Better Decisions Ep56 “When Should We Lie for the Greater Good?” with John Ioannidis
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Feb 12, 2025 This discussion features John Ioannidis, a Stanford professor renowned for his insights into medical research reliability. He delves into the ethical quandaries of medical honesty, questioning if it's justifiable for doctors to withhold information for a patient's benefit. They explore how trust in healthcare has been damaged, particularly during the pandemic, and emphasize the necessity of transparency and shared decision-making. The conversation also touches on the long-term effects of misinformation on vaccine hesitancy and why restoring public confidence is crucial.
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The Mask Flip-Flop
- During the initial COVID-19 outbreak, the public was told masks were ineffective.
- Later, the stance reversed, claiming masks offered significant protection, creating public confusion.
Vaccine Efficacy Questioned
- COVID-19 vaccine trials showed 94% efficacy, but questions arose about the remaining 6%.
- The variation could be due to human or viral factors; if the latter, the vaccine's efficacy might be short-lived.
Cost of Lying
- Lying, even for the public good, erodes public trust, impacting future responses to health crises.
- Jonathan Berk argues this poses a significant, long-term risk.