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Disease theories based on dysfunction face challenges from synthetic biology. This study proposes a new dysfunction requirement model that accommodates both natural and artificial organisms, offering a clearer definition of disease.

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Medicine
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Philosophy of Biology

Background:

  • Dysfunction-requiring theories define disease based on biological dysfunctions.
  • Wakefield's hybrid account links disease to dysfunction and natural ill.
  • Synthetic biology introduces artifactual organisms, challenging existing disease concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate Wakefield's dysfunction requirement in light of artifactual organisms.
  • To propose an alternative dysfunction requirement based on organizational theory.
  • To demonstrate the superiority of the new model for defining disease.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of disease theories, particularly Wakefield's account.
  • Examination of implications from synthetic biology and genetically modified organisms (e.g., oncomice).
  • Development of a new dysfunction requirement model using organizational theory of function.

Main Results:

  • Artifactual organisms and modified strains pose a significant challenge to Wakefield's etiological dysfunction requirement.
  • A new organizational theory-based dysfunction requirement is proposed.
  • The proposed model accommodates both naturally evolved and artifactual organisms.

Conclusions:

  • Wakefield's theory is inadequate for artifactual organisms.
  • The new model resolves conflicts between part function and organism health.
  • The proposed dysfunction requirement offers a non-arbitrary and practical method for identifying disease.