How Government Leaders Violated Their Epistemic Duties During the SARS-CoV-2 Crisis
Kennedy Institute Journal of Ethics
38 Pages Posted: 20 May 2020
Date Written: May 20, 2020
Abstract
In spring 2020, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, world leaders imposed severe restrictions on citizens’ civil, political, and economic liberties. These restrictions went beyond less controversial and less demanding social distancing measures seen in past epidemics. Many states and countries imposed universal lockdowns. In this paper, we argue that these restrictions have not been accompanied by the epistemic practices morally required for their adoption or continuation. While in theory, lockdowns can be justified, governments did not meet and have not yet met their justificatory burdens.
Keywords: COVID-19 government legitimacy
JEL Classification: I18
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation