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Reflections on a new medical cosmology.
1Centre for Philosophy and Health Care, School of Health Science, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, UK. G.Abbott@Swansea.ac.uk
Journal of Medical Ethics
|April 6, 2002
Summary
The biomedical model in Western medicine faces unresolved problems. A new medical cosmology, rooted in a global framework, is proposed as a radical solution beyond the biopsychosocial model.
Area of Science:
- Medical Philosophy
- Health Systems Analysis
Background:
- The biomedical model has dominated Western medicine since the 19th century.
- Contemporary medicine confronts persistent, unresolved challenges despite various interventions.
- Existing critiques and models, like the biopsychosocial model, have proven insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adequacy of modifying the biomedical model versus requiring a radical shift.
- To argue against the sufficiency of the biopsychosocial model in addressing current medical challenges.
- To propose the necessity of a new medical cosmology for future healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of the limitations of the biomedical and biopsychosocial models.
- Exploration of historical and global frameworks for medical understanding.
- Conceptual development of a new medical cosmology.
Main Results:
- The biopsychosocial model fails to adequately harmonize the scientific and humanistic aspects of medicine.
- Modifying the biomedical model is insufficient to resolve current medical crises.
- A fundamental shift towards a new medical cosmology is necessary.
Conclusions:
- The current medical paradigm is inadequate to address complex health issues.
- A new medical cosmology, drawing from older, global perspectives, is essential for a paradigm shift.
- Developing this new cosmology is a long-term process with emerging foundational features.