A Study in Scientific Controversy: The Case(s) of COVID-19

Jonathan Fuller

October 9, 2020 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
Eligible Credits: 2
Location: Virtual - Laguna Hills, CA

Session Description:

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, several scientific controversies have divided scientists as well as politicians and the public, especially regarding the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and the effectiveness of medical and public health interventions to counter it. Among other lessons, these controversies have revealed a fault line within epidemiology. A vocal minority of epidemiologists have repeatedly challenged the scientific consensus on COVID-19. In this talk, I’ll explore the nature of the controversy and what it teaches us about epidemiology, public health and science.

Session Objectives:

  1. Learn about the nature of and reasons for scientific controversies in epidemiology, public health, and science, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Understand the different philosophies of science represented in public health epidemiology vs. clinical epidemiology.
  3. Evaluate different positions taken on the science of COVID-19.

Expect to Learn:

  1. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the nature of disagreements in science, epidemiology and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prerequisites:

None

Course Type: Lecture