[Significance of a theoretical pathology for the scientific cognitive process in medicine]

A critical examination of current trends in medicine demonstrates the need for a deepened theoretical foundation. Of particular importance is the development of theoretical pathology. The goals, methods and content of theoretical pathology are discussed and contrasted with those of general and special pathology. Although general pathology incorporates some elements of theoretical pathology, the latter is based on the theory of cognition rather than empirical science. Dialectic materialism is an essential element of this discipline. The development of theoretical pathology demands an interdisciplinary approach on the part of physicians, natural and social scientists and must be based on a broad concept of human disease.