HFIK03881U FILO, Module 4: Research Subject - Theoretical Philosophy: Evidence-Based Policy

Evidence-Based Policy

Evidence-based policy is gaining support in many areas of government and in public affairs more generally. The central idea is that the implementation of a new policy should be based on evidence of the effectiveness of the policy. For instance, before implementing early family intervention in vulnerable families with children, we should produce evidence supporting the effectiveness of the interventions. It is often claimed that only evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) can justify predictions about the policy’s effects. In recent years, philosophers have started to critically examine ways in which policies are said to be based on evidence. We will look at discussions of

• when evidence claims from RCTs are credible (evidence quality),

• when and how established results from RCTs (or from other sources) bear on a policy prediction (evidence relevance), and

• how predictions about policy effectiveness should be evaluated in the light of all the evidence.

The course will introduce students to contemporary discussions about causality, explanation, and evidence in recent epistemology, philosophy of social science, philosophy of medicine, and political philosophy.

The course will be taught as mix a between lectures and student activities.