What is the best way to evaluate whether an intervention works? Orthodox ‘evidence-based’ evaluation methods review certain kinds of studies (especially randomised trials) but exclude other relevant evidence (such as mechanistic studies and views of stakeholders).

This project will apply an emerging philosophical theory of causal enquiry, Evidential Pluralism, to provide systematic foundations for a broader approach to evidence review—one that includes a diverse range of evidence from across disciplines. This approach promises better informed and more inclusive evaluations. A new review of the effectiveness of face-mask mandates will help to test the approach.

This project is supported by the new UKRI interdisciplinary scheme and runs for 2 years from 29th January 2025.

People

Trish Greenhalgh (co-leader), Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford.

Rebecca Helm (co-leader), Law School, University of Exeter.

Luana Poliseli Ramos (Research Associate), Philosophy Department, University of Manchester.

Sahanika Ratnayake (Research Associate), Philosophy Department, University of Manchester.

Jon Williamson (PI), Philosophy Department, University of Manchester.

Trish Greenhalgh Rebecca Helm Luana Poliseli Sahanika Ratnayake Jon Williamson

Activities & talks

4 February 2025. Jon Williamson. The role of idealisation in the epistemology of causality. Department of Logic and the Methodology of Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava.

UKRI University of Manchester University of Oxford University of Exeter