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Well-being: a philosophical basis for health services
1Department of Philosophy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Summary
This study argues that promoting human well-being provides the core philosophical justification for health services. It explores the concept of well-being and its central role in healthcare delivery.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Medicine
- Bioethics
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The philosophical underpinnings of health services are often debated.
- A clear rationale for healthcare provision is essential for policy and practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish human well-being as the fundamental philosophical basis for health services.
- To critically examine and defend this thesis against opposing viewpoints.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical argumentation and conceptual analysis.
- Defense against objections from 'The Sceptical View'.
- Elaboration on the definition and scope of 'well-being' in healthcare.
Main Results:
- Human well-being is presented as the primary philosophical rationale for health services.
- Distinctions between 'thick' and 'thin' well-being are clarified.
- The scope of health services' concern with well-being is delineated.
Conclusions:
- The philosophical centrality of human well-being to health services is robustly defended.
- Understanding well-being is crucial for the ethical and effective organization of healthcare.
- Health services should be fundamentally oriented towards promoting human well-being.