Philosophy of Medicine

A fascinating and compelling discussion that brings to light an exciting area in the philosophy of science. As such, the book is an excellent starting point for anyone wishing to explore the rapidly growing literature on this remarkable subject. * Alexander Mebius, Journal for General Philosophy of Science *
An important issue discussed [in this book] is attitudes towards patients with incurable diseases. The book has a large reference list...Recommended for physicians, psychologists and social workers. * PER (Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews) *
Alex Broadbent's Philosophy of Medicine addresses important topics that have been largely eclipsed by debates on bioethics and the nature of health and disease. In particular, Broadbent focuses on the core issues of what medicine is essentially and how to make medical decisions. His book makes significant contributions to the field not only by addressing neglected topics with historical and cultural sensitivity, but also through some ground-breaking claims, for instance that the business of medicine is not to cure. * Thaddeus Metz, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, University of Johannesburg *
The first thing to love about this book is what you can learn from it: what medicine can do even if it can't cure much, what evidence-based medicine may have achieved and what it may not have, the role of common law and the importance of cosmopolitanism, the dangers of epistemic medical relativism, a value-free definition of 'health' and much more. The second is that it practices what it preaches. The epistemic humility and practice-centered cosmopolitanism that Broadbent advocates for medicine characterize his own arguments and explanations. The book is thoughtful, humane, informed, a serious study, both philosophically and practically. * Nancy Cartwright, Professor of Philosophy at Durham University and Distinguished Professor at University of California, San Diego *