The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Medicine

The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Medicine is a guide to areas of current activity and change, not only in philosophy of medicine, but also in medical science and practice.It asks questions that concern core problems for this discipline as well as metaphysical questions about the nature of health and truth in medicine, offering critical insights into the evolving landscape of medical thought.This handbook reflects a renewed awareness that medical traditions are culturally diverse and of the philosophical opportunities this creates.It presents important new work on the demarcation of medicine from rivals and the legitimacy of its claims to superiority, while offering a balanced perspective on both the strengths and limitations of biomedicine.The volume explores how to promote better medicine and critically examines the preference in public policy for treatment over prevention, providing nuanced insights into enhancing healthcare practices. Social justice has emerged in contemporary p