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Analysis of Causation in Medicine

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The Philosophy and Practice of Medicine and Bioethics

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

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Abstract

Decision-making, especially diagnosis, depends on a theory of causation. In any particular case an unlimited number of models of causation are possible. Cause may be seen as a hypothesis. Cause is an abstract term. Cause is a concept of human understanding. If the patient is to give a report about him/herself, she is likely to construct it according to how she summarizes what has happened in her life, memories, selections, what she thinks to be received. Causes and causation in medicine are to be carefully examined and healthcare workers have to be cautious in ascribing causes too readily in order to avoid circuits and prejudices in diagnosing and treating patients. All causal statements should be regarded as false unless proven otherwise. The critical definitions of causes have an ethical impact on medical thinking and practice, the lack of doing so invalidates it.

A central concept in decision-making is causality and few physicians have training in the scientific method regarding causation. [1]

† 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). Analysis of Causation in Medicine. 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_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8867-3_4

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