News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Vaccine experts: Covid-19 booster shots aren't needed now. Parent comment

Re:Vaccine experts: Covid-19 booster shots aren't needed now by gunapologist99 on Tuesday September 14, 2021 @04:40PM (#28530783)
> Public health officials need to understand that their primary job is managing public perception of a situation first and foremost.

Actually, public health officials need to maintain the trust of the public, or no one will listen.

And you won't be trusted if everything coming out of your mouth is a lie, no matter what your intentions.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Vaccine experts: Covid-19 booster shots aren't needed now by dTal on Tuesday September 14, 2021 @06:04PM (#28532072)
Actually, it's both. Parent is arguing a consequentialist ethical framework - public health experts have a primary duty of care to the population, and their actions should promote this goal.

Your position of "you won't be trusted if everything coming out of your mouth is a lie" is fully compatible with this framework.

Considering the other person's mental model and incorporating their terminology when communicating with them, even when they're a bit wrong, isn't "lying" - it's basic empathy.

[ Parent | on HN ]