More precisely, epidemiologists do this day in day out using biostatistical models, then applying causal inference (the counterfactual knowledge part incl.)
Yes, Anders_H is Doctor of Science in Epidemiology. He's someone worth listening to when he tells you about what can and can't be done with experiment design.
Oooh, an appeal to authority. If that is the case he is no doubt highly accomplished. However, that need not translate to blind deference.
This is a text conversation, so rhetorical questions aren't immediately apparent. Moreover, we're in a community that explicitly celebrates reason over other modes of rhetoric. So, my interpretation of his question about counterfactual conditions was interpreted was sincere rather than disingenuous.
Another month, another rationality quotes thread. The rules are: