Clinical medicine and the quest for certainty

Area of Science:

• Medical philosophy
• Epistemology in healthcare
• Integrative medicine

Background:

• Orthodox medicine relies on biomedical models and statistical validation, often excluding non-biomedical knowledge.
• Alternative medicine's holistic and individualized approach challenges conventional scientific standards.
• Even within orthodox medicine, sub-disciplines like surgery and family practice require individualized care solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a more liberal and inclusive attitude towards medical knowledge and discovery.
• To explore the inherent practical nature of medicine as a science directed towards patient well-being.
• To examine the unique epistemological profile of medicine, influenced by its practical application and the need for certainty.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of medical knowledge systems.
• Critique of the limitations within orthodox and alternative medicine frameworks.
• Exploration of the concept of 'healing praxis' and the Hippocratic ethos.

Main Results:

• The dominant biomedical model has limitations, particularly in areas requiring individualized care.
• A broader conception of medical knowledge, incorporating diverse approaches, aligns better with the Hippocratic ethos.
• Medicine's practical science nature necessitates a degree of belief and certainty, shaping its unique scientific profile.

Conclusions:

• A more inclusive approach to medical knowledge is needed, integrating diverse perspectives beyond strict biomedical models.
• Medicine's practical application requires a balance between scientific rigor and individualized patient care.
• Recognizing the unique epistemological characteristics of medicine is crucial for advancing healthcare.