History&Philosophy of Medicine - Tops in Phil of Med

Catalog description

Medicine has always been a practical enterprise; its fundamental aim to heal and to restore health. Despite its practical commitments in both the lab and clinic, modern Western medicine proceeds on several theoretical and conceptual assumptions. This course will explore some of the major themes in the philosophy of medicine that speak to its ontological (e.g., what is disease?) and epistemological (e.g., how does medicine know?) foundations. Topics are chosen in consultation with the instructor in accordance with student interest. The course is comprised of four weekly 90 to 120-minute sessions. Each session focuses on a set of readings addressing a particular theme or problem. Topics include: “What is disease?” “What is health?” “Is Medicine a Science?” “The Experience of Illness” “Models in Medicine” etc. The course will culminate with a 10-12-page reflective essay. Prerequisite: M4 standing.