Philosophy of Medicine

Medicine is an institution that enjoys considerable social authority, an occupation that enjoys enduring prestige, and a research area that enjoys substantial public and private funding. Philosophy of medicine is an investigation into what we know about medicine and public health, and how we know it. What is medical knowledge, and where does it come from? What counts as good evidence that treatments are safe and effective, or that environmental pollutants harm health? How should we understand the concepts of health and disease, or decide what counts as a legitimate medical or psychiatric condition - and who are "we" to decide? How do concepts, methods, and findings in the health sciences influence, and/or reflect, industry, activist, public, patients' and policymakers' values?

The overall goal of the course is to develop a habit of reasoned, reflective engagement with research and practice in medicine. Students do not need a background in philosophy to take this course. This course is intended to be of special interest to pre-health professionals and to philosophy and science majors. For graduate students in philosophy, this course satisfies the seminar requirement.

Students do not need a background in philosophy to take this course. This course is intended to be of special interest to pre-health professionals and to philosophy and science majors. For graduate students in philosophy, this course satisfies the seminar requirement. Extra assignments will be provided to satisfy graduate course work; students should consult the instructor for details.

Course Attributes: EN H; AS HUM; FA HUM; AR HUM; CFH MH; BU Hum; BU Eth

Philosophy of Medicine

PHILOSOPHY 3001

Section 01