Equipoise, knowledge and ethics in clinical research and practice

Article Abstract:

No viable conception of equipoise for clinical trials is available and ethical problems of clinical trials have not been resolved. Clinical trials are generally thought to be ethical if some form of equipoise exists between the treatments compared and used on different groups, that is, if neither of the two treatments is actually known to be better than the other and if those given one or the other are chosen randomly. Judgement of equipoise can end up being managed socially, but it is supposedly cognitive in significance. A clinician may not be in equipoise once data are partially accumulated. Recent reconstructions of equipoise-like concepts in epistemology give some hints on how to understand it in a cognitive way. The reconstructions and success thereof are discussed.

United Kingdom, Usage, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Bayesian statistical decision theory, Bayesian analysis, Clinical trials, AIDS patients

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Should we undertake genetic research on intelligence?

Article Abstract:

Objections raised to genetic research into intelligence and its developmental pathways are problematic and the value of the knowledge and the prospect of improving lives makes the research necessary from a moral standpoint. Results might influence the allocation of resources, but could help understanding of mental handicap and learning disorders and their treatment. The research so far done is reviewed.

Australia, Genetic aspects, Medical research, Developmental disabilities, Intelligence (Psychology), Intelligence levels

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