A pathological view of disease

Journal/Book: Theor Med Bioeth. 2000; 21: Spuiboulevard 50, PO Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publ. 321-330.

Abstract: This paper is a response to Christopher Boorse's recent defense of his Biostatistical Theory (BST) of health and disease. Boorse maintains that his concept of theoretical health and disease reflects the ''considered usage of pathologists.'' I argue that pathologists do not use ''disease'' in the purely theoretical way that is required by the BST. Pathology does not draw a sharp distinction between theoretical and practical aspects of medicine. Pathology does not even need a theoretical concept of disease. Its focus is not theoretical, but practical; pathology's goal is to contribute to the healing of patients. Pathology, even experimental pathology, is not value-free. Not only ''disease'' but also such terms as ''nerve'' and ''organ'' are laden with conceptual values.

Note: Article Stempsey WE, Coll Holy Cross, Dept Philosophy, Worcester,MA 01610 USA

Keyword(s): disease; health; pathology; philosophy of medicine; values

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