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Does the philosophy of medicine exist?
1Center for Biomedical Ethics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.
Theoretical Medicine
|March 1, 1992
Summary
The philosophy of medicine lacks a clear definition and distinct problems, hindering its development as a recognized academic field. Establishing it as a field would benefit both medicine and philosophy, particularly bioethics and philosophy of science.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Medicine
- Philosophy of Science
- Bioethics
Background:
- Discussions on obstacles to the philosophy of medicine presuppose a consensus on its definition, which is lacking.
- Despite extensive literature and professional activity, the field lacks a clear consensus on its scope and identity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the current state of the philosophy of medicine.
- To argue that the philosophy of medicine does not yet constitute a distinct field of inquiry.
- To highlight the missed opportunities and benefits of establishing such a field.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the criteria for establishing an academic field.
- Review of existing literature and professional activities in the philosophy of medicine.
- Argumentation based on the lack of integration, established canon, and defining problems.
Main Results:
- The philosophy of medicine fails to meet the criteria for an established field, lacking integration, a canon, and defining problems.
- There is no widespread agreement on what constitutes the philosophy of medicine.
- The field's current non-existence is a missed opportunity for advancements in medicine and philosophy.
Conclusions:
- The philosophy of medicine, as currently constituted, does not exist as a distinct field of inquiry.
- Establishing the philosophy of medicine as a field would significantly benefit bioethics, philosophy of science, and medical research methodologies.
- Further development is needed to define its scope, problems, and integration with related disciplines.