The Rational Egoist Knut M. Wittkowski Joins the Show to Discuss His Views on the COVID Pandemic
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz speaks with Dr. Knut M. Wittkowski, a biostatistician and epidemiologist whose career has been grounded in data analysis, population-level disease dynamics, and research design.
Dr. Wittkowski approaches the COVID pandemic not from politics or media narratives, but from statistical evidence and historical epidemiology. Drawing on decades of experience analysing infectious disease patterns, he challenges widely accepted assumptions about lockdowns, transmission dynamics, and public-health interventions. His focus throughout is on what the data actually show—rather than what policymakers, institutions, or commentators wished them to show.
The discussion explores:
How pandemics historically rise and fall
The difference between individual clinical outcomes and population-level effects
Why certain interventions may have had unintended consequences
The importance of distinguishing correlation from causation in public health policy
How fear and modelling assumptions can override empirical evidence
This is a rigorous, analytical conversation that treats public health as a scientific discipline rather than a moral crusade—and asks hard questions about decision-making under uncertainty.
About Dr. Knut M. Wittkowski
Dr. Knut M. Wittkowski holds a PhD in Biostatistics, with formal training in mathematical statistics and epidemiology in Germany. He served for roughly two decades as Head of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design at Rockefeller University in New York.
His work has focused on the statistical foundations of biomedical research, the interpretation of complex data sets, and the proper design of epidemiological studies. Throughout his career, Dr. Wittkowski has emphasised methodological rigour, empirical validation, and intellectual independence—particularly when scientific consensus becomes detached from data.
About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist
Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.
His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.
He is the co-author of two books examining the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:
Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime
https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X
View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty
https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist
Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, responsible for overseeing the publishing, presentation, and promotion of each episode to ensure a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual rigour.
She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, a property manager and entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia. Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on philosophy, culture, and independent thinking.
Join Capitalism and Coffee here:
https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/
Follow Xenia’s essays on reason, independence, and purposeful living at her Substack:
https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu
Because freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.
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