Introduction to Contemporary Philosophy of Medicine

Contemporary philosophy of medicine is certainly a growing discipline in the 21st century, with a substantial literature. But the discipline has no overarching paradigm, which reflects consensus within it. Rather, contemporary philosophy of medicine is diverse with various approaches not only to the problems facing contemporary medicine, but also how best to address and potentially to resolve them. Introduction to Contemporary Philosophy of Medicine explores various approaches based on a particular type of medicine and its practice. Specifically, philosophical approaches to the nature of medicine range from Analytic Philosophy of Medicine, to Feminist and Gender Medicine, while approaches to medical practice range from Evidence-Based Medicine to Integrative Medicine. Digital, Complementary and Alternative Medicines are also discussed. These diverse approaches to medicine and its practice are informed by different ontological and epistemological concepts, such as causation, disease and health, which are introduced and discussed in detail in the book, a key guide for student and other healthcare professionals interested in philosophical issues in contemporary medicine.