Antifoundationalism and the possibility of a moral philosophy of medicine

Journal/Book: Theor Med. 1997; 18: Spuiboulevard 50, PO Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publ. 127-143.

Abstract: The problem of developing a moral philosophy of medicine is explored in this essay. Among the challenges posed to this development are the general mistrust of moral philosophy and philosophy in general created by post-modernist philosophical and even anti-philosophical thinking. This reaction to philosophical systematization is usually called antifoundationalism. I distinguish different forms of antifoundationalism, showing that not all forms of their opposites, foundationalism, are alike, especially with regards to claims made about the certitude of moral thought. I conclude that we are correct to mistrust absolutist principles in a moral philosophy of medicine, but can find some center within the practice of medicine itself for a moral foundation.

Note: Article VS-Card Thomasma DC, Loyola Univ, Stritch Sch Med, Med Humanities Program, 2160 S 1ST Ave, Maywood,IL 60153 USA

Keyword(s): antifoundationalism; moral philosophy of medicine; medical ethics; philosophy of medicine; post-modernism; ETHICS

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