On the Nature of Health : An Action-Theoretic Approach

GENERAL INTRODUCTION This study of the concept of health is an attempt to combine central ideas in modern philosophy of medicine with certain results from analytical action theory. What emerges from the study is a concept of health based on an action-theoretic foundation. A person's health is characterized as his ability to achieve his vital goals. The general conception is not new. This study has been inspired by a number of scholars, both ancient and modern. The most important influences from the latter have been those of Georges Canguilhem, H. Tristram Engelhardt Jr. , Caroline Whitbeck and Ingmar Pörn. The novel aspect of this book consists of elaborations made to the general conception. First, the action-theoretic platform is analysed in some detail. The nature of the ability involved, as well as the conditions for having that ability, are specified. Second, the vital goals of man are given considerable attention. Some previous attempts to define such vital goals are analysed and criticized. A new characterization is proposed, in which the vital goals are conceptually linked to the notion of happiness. A person's vital goals are such states of affairs as are necessary and together sufficient for his minimal happiness. Third, a number of consequences of this con­ ception are observed and analysed. One issue which is particularly empha­ sized is that ofwhether the concept ofhealth is a theoretical or a normative concept. This study of the concept of health is an attempt to combine central ideas in modern philosophy of medicine with some results from analytical action theory. The concept which emerges is one of health founded on an action-theoretic platform; a person's health is characterized on his/her ability to achieve his/her vital goals. The book draws upon insights from a number of modern philosophers of medicine, in particular C. Boorse, C. Whitbeck and I. Porn. Some conclusions are, however, quite different from all the modern theories discussed. This mainly concerns the analysis of the concept of a vital goal which is, in the present study, connected with human happiness. The book will be of particular interest to philosophers of medicine and philosophers in general, but could also be of value to medical personnel and health policy makers who take an interest in the conceptual foundations of health care Front Matter....Pages i-xvii Some Basic Issues in the Philosophy of Health....Pages 1-14 An Analytic Theory of Health: The Biostatistical Theory (BST)....Pages 15-33 Towards a Holistic Theory of Health....Pages 35-104 On the Factors Which Compromise Health....Pages 105-117 On Some Societal and Scientific Consequences of the Welfare Notion of Health....Pages 119-143 Conclusions and Summary of the Welfare Theory of Health....Pages 145-149 Back Matter....Pages 151-204