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The Philosophy and Practice of Medicine and Bioethics pp 23–44Cite as

Decision-Making: Fallacies and Other Mistakes

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Part of the book series: International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine ((LIME,volume 47))

Abstract

Medical methods and decisions are often based on traditional, culture-bound practices, rather than on sound, critical thinking considering consequences. As medical language and practice are influenced by the culture, culture must be critically examined. Decision-making is based on language. It mainly involves the making of causal statements, which are phrased in language and can therefore be no more precise than the language used. Frequent causes of irrational medical thinking and decision-making are analyzed especially fallacies from the claim of certainty where only can be probability and medical and societal un-culture of dealing with mistakes. Five levels of decision-making in medicine are presented: 1. Medical, 2. Ethical, 3. Interdisciplinary, 4. Philosophy of Medicine, and 5. Philosophy in general.

† Deceased

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Paracelsus Medical University SALK, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria

    Dr. Barbara Maier

  2. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, 53190, Whitewater, Wisconsin, USA

    Prof. Warren A. Shibles†

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  1. Dr. Barbara Maier
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  2. Prof. Warren A. Shibles†
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Correspondence to Barbara Maier .

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Maier, B., Shibles†, W.A. (2011). Decision-Making: Fallacies and Other Mistakes. In: The Philosophy and Practice of Medicine and Bioethics. International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine, vol 47. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8867-3_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8867-3_3

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  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-8866-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-90-481-8867-3

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