How to Reconcile The Conflicts between Epistemic and Ethical Norms: An Examination of The Controversy over Randomized Controlled Trial and Clinical Equipoise

Abstract

Philosophers of science have distinguished epistemic values from other values. The former are relevant to scientific evaluation, while the later are legitimate bases to address ethical, social, and political issues. Given such a classification, experts should normally respect both scientific rationality and ethical soundness. How about situations where these values are conflicting? If the priority of epistemic values could be a cause of ethical issues, what is right action? This is the central theme of the controversy over randomized controlled trial and clinical equipoise. From the existing literature on the controversy, I found out two types of strategies to resolve the dilemma. After looking into how epistemic values and ethical values relate in each strategy, I will make a few general suggestions about norms for scientific research.