This introduction to the philosophy of medicine surveys the landscape of western philosophy as it pertains to healthcare in an accessible way. Written by a doctor for doctors and other health professionals, framing the 'toolbox' of philosophy within the community of medicine, it encourages examination of the implicit assumptions made in the construction of medical knowledge and practice.

Taking the reader step by step through the concepts that underpin modern philosophy, they will be challenged to reflect upon the premises within clinical practice which might benefit from scrutiny and challenge, including the nature of scientific knowledge, the limits of our biomedical model, the cultural and relational context, and the failure to recognise or manage adequately the fact/value distinction in medicine and healthcare.

The book is an ideal textbook for students of medicine and medical philosophy and will also be of interest to bioethicists, medical sociologists, clinical commissioners and to practicing clinicians in medicine and the allied health professions seeking to improve their understanding of philosophy and ethics and sharpen their critical thinking skills.


Section 1: On Knowing

1. Epistemology I: Introduction and deductive reasoning

2. Epistemology II: Inductive reasoning and empiricism

3. The philosophy of science

4. Anti-realist epistemology

5. The construction of evidence

Section 2: What is there to know About?

6. Ontology

7. Values

8. Ethics

9. Human givens the conscious self

10. Human givens the moral self

Section 3: Thinking about Healthcare

11. A philosophy of health

12. Thinking about power

13. Patient or community? Public health

Section 4: Final Thoughts

14. Further study

15. Glossary

Index