Related Experiment Videos
A pathological view of disease.
1Department of Philosophy, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA 01610-2395, USA. wstempsey@holycross.edu
Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics
|December 5, 2000
Summary
This study argues that pathologists
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Christopher Boorse's Biostatistical Theory (BST) defines health and disease theoretically.
- Boorse claims BST aligns with pathologists' usage of these terms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge Boorse's assertion that pathologists use a purely theoretical concept of disease.
- To demonstrate that pathology's focus is practical and value-laden, not purely theoretical.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the term "disease" in pathological practice.
- Examination of the theoretical versus practical distinctions in medicine.
Main Results:
- Pathologists do not employ a purely theoretical definition of disease as required by BST.
- Pathology integrates practical and value-laden considerations, focusing on patient healing.
- Terms like "nerve" and "organ" also carry conceptual values in pathology.
Conclusions:
- Boorse's Biostatistical Theory of health and disease does not accurately reflect pathological usage.
- Pathology is inherently practical and value-laden, necessitating a broader understanding beyond theoretical definitions.