This book challenges the unchallenged methods in medicine, such as
"evidence-based medicine," which claim to be, but often are not,
scientific. It completes medical care by adding the comprehensive
humanistic perspectives and philosophy of medicine. No specific or
absolute recommendations are given regarding medical treatment, moral
approaches, or legal advice. Given rather is discussion about each issue
involved and the strongest arguments indicated. Each argument is subject
to further critical analysis. This is the same position as with any
philosophical, medical or scientific view. The argument that
decision-making in medicine is inadequate unless grounded on a
philosophy of medicine is not meant to include all of philosophy and
every philosopher. On the contrary, it includes only sound, practical
and humanistic philosophy and philosophers who are creative and critical
thinkers and who have concerned themselves with the topics relevant to
medicine. These would be those philosophers who engage in practical
philosophy, such as the pragmatists, humanists, naturalists, and
ordinary-language philosophers. A new definition of our own philosophy
of life emerges and it is necessary to have one. Good lifestyle no
longer means just abstaining from cigarettes, alcohol and getting
exercise. It also means living a holistic life, which includes all of
one's thinking, personality and actions. This book also includes new
ways of thinking. In this regard the "Metaphorical Method" is explained,
used, and exemplified in depth, for example in the chapters on care,
egoism and altruism, letting die, etc.
