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Title
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Theoretical and clinical disease and the biostatistical theory
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Author
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Abstract
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| Although concepts of disease have received much scrutiny, the benefits of distinguishing between theoretical and clinical disease-and what is meant by those terms-may not be as readily apparent. One way of characterizing the distinction between theoretical and clinical conceptions of disease is by relying on Boorse's biostatistical theory (BST) for a conception of theoretical disease. Clinical disease could then be defined as theoretical disease that is diagnosed. Explicating this distinction provides a useful extension of the BST. The benefits of this approach are clearly and non-normatively demarcating disease from non-disease, while allowing for values and purpose to determine what criteria are used in clinical practice to represent a disease's underlying dysfunction. Through discussion of a variety of medical conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus, I explore how the relationship between BST-based theoretical and clinical disease could make sense of various features of clinical practice and medical theory. It could do this by lending focus to a nuanced understanding of the pathophysiological defects present in disease and the means by which they are assessed. This could contribute to making sense of revised nosologies and diagnostic criteria. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Studies in history and philosophy of science: part C: studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences. - Kidlington
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Publication
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Kidlington
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2020
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ISSN
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1369-8486
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DOI
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10.1016/J.SHPSC.2019.101249
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Volume/pages
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82
(2020)
, p. 1-11
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Article Reference
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UNSP 101249
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ISI
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000547848000005
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Pubmed ID
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32008896
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Medium
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E-only publicatie
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (open access)
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