On the Nature of Health

This study of the concept of health combines 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 by his/her ability to achieve his/he [...]
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This study of the concept of health combines 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 by his/her ability to achieve his/her vital goals. The book draws on insights from a number of modern philosophers of medicine, in particular C. Boorse, C. Whitbeck and I. Porn. Some conclusions, however, are 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. Also of value to medical personnel and health policy makers who take an interest in the conceptual foundations of health care.