North Holland Philosophy of Medicine - Science and Practice

Explore the complex relationship between scientific theory and medical practice with this comprehensive volume from North Holland. This book examines the conceptual, epistemological, and methodological issues that arise when applying the philosophy of science to the medical field. Readers will find detailed analysis of meta-scientific concepts including discovery, reduction, theories, models, and causal inference. The text applies these principles specifically to medical science to provide a deeper understanding of how scientific realism functions in a clinical context. Beyond general science, the book addresses fundamental medical concepts such as diagnosis, health, disease, and brain death. It also looks at the role of evidence through various lenses, ranging from social mechanisms for guiding evidence-based practice to more technical applications. This volume serves as an essential resource for those studying the theoretical foundations of medicine and the scientific methods that shape modern healthcare.