Dis-ease about kinds: Reply

Journal/Book: J Med Phil. 1995; 20: Spuiboulevard 50, PO Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publ. 571-584.

Abstract: In The Nature of Disease I argued that a value-free account of our concept of disease cannot be given. Part of this argument consisted in showing that diseases as a class do not constitute a natural kind. To understand this, we need only see that we define and classify conditions into diseases and non-diseases not in terms of their causes but in terms of their effects. While no philosophical position is watertight, the arguments overwhelmingly favour the conclusion that diseases do not constitute a natural kind.

Note: Article L Reznek, Toronto Hosp, Dept Psychiat, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, on M5T 2S8, Canada

Keyword(s): disease; natural kind; value-laden

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