Public Policy and Methodological Myopia

An Austrian Epistemological Critique of the Cochrane Library (2023) Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30800/mises.2025.v13.1611

Keywords:

Austrian School, state coercion, pandemic, epistemology

Abstract

The 2023 systematic review published by the Cochrane Library on the use of physical barriers to contain respiratory viruses became a landmark in the scientific and political debate surrounding non-pharmaceutical interventions during pandemics. This article analyzes the content and implications of the Cochrane Library (2023) study through the lens of Austrian epistemology, highlighting the limits of empirical knowledge in complex social phenomena, the risks of scientistic pretension in public policy formulation, and the dangers of state coercion when based on uncertain evidence. It concludes that institutional prudence and respect for individual liberty must prevail in the face of scientific uncertainty.

 

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Author Biography

Marcos Giansante, Instituto Mises Brasil, São Paulo, Brasil

Dr. Marcos H. Giansante é um cirurgião digestivo e escritor brasileiro baseado em São Paulo. Estudante de pós-graduação em Economia Austríaca e Filosofia no Instituto Mises Brasil e contribui para debates acadêmicos e públicos sobre liberdade, ciência e poder estatal a partir de uma perspectiva liberal clássica.

References

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Published

2025-07-31

How to Cite

1.
Giansante M. Public Policy and Methodological Myopia: An Austrian Epistemological Critique of the Cochrane Library (2023) Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. MisesJournal [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 31 [cited 2025 Aug. 1];13. Available from: https://misesjournal.org.br/misesjournal/article/view/1611

Issue

Section

Essays & Insights

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