Philosophy in Medicine: Uncovering Assumptions for Better Healthcare

This thought-provoking book by Dien Ho sheds light on the critical philosophical assumptions that underpin the practices of clinical and research medicine. By making these assumptions explicit, it demonstrates how awareness of philosophical principles can lead to more informed and effective medical research and practice.

Exploring the Foundations of Medicine

The book delves into fundamental questions that shape our understanding of medicine, including:

• What constitutes a scientific discipline, and how does medicine fit into this framework?
• How do the inherent tensions between medicine as a research science and as a healing practice impact our approach to healthcare?
• What are the implications of the replication crisis in medical research, and how can we rethink knowledge production in our modern world?
• Do explanations have real scientific value, and how do we navigate the uncertainties of probabilistic claims?
• Is it possible for evidence-based medicine to be truly value-free, or must we consider the role of values in driving scientific inquiry?

Towards a More Informed and Democratic Approach to Healthcare

The final chapter presents a compelling argument that the most pressing question is not how to separate values from science, but rather how to decide, in a democratic society, what values should drive scientific pursuits. This nuanced exploration has significant implications for the future of healthcare and medical research.

The book’s key features include:

• Accessible explanations of complex philosophical concepts, making it an essential read for non-professional academics and healthcare professionals alike.
• A critical examination of the philosophical assumptions that underlie medical practice, providing a deeper understanding of medicine and its potential to improve healthcare outcomes.
• The integration of medical examples and historical contexts to illustrate the practical applications of philosophical principles and their impact on science and our lives.
• Interconnected chapters that demonstrate the intricate relationships between disparate philosophical concepts, such as how the aims of medicine inform our understanding of theoretical reasoning.

Published by Taylor and Francis in June 2019, this book is a vital contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of philosophy in medicine. With its clear and engaging writing style, it is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy and healthcare.

Language: English

ISBN: 9781138647787, 9781317236344