Topics in the philosophy of medicine

We will explore topics that are both philosophically interesting, and also relevant to medical research or practice, and the core readings draw on the philosophical as well as the medical literature. We begin with some background linking general epistemological concepts with current topics in philosophy of medicine. We then move on to examine the specific problems of the epistemological role of randomization, causal inference in clinical trials, the role of mechanisms as evidence, the epistemological (and ethical) role of placebo controls, and whether Evidence-Based Medicine as a movement is justified.

Organised by the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and the Faculty of Philosophy.

Alexander Bird and Jeremy Howick

Tuesday 13 October 2015 (1st Week, Michaelmas Term)

Tuesday 20 October 2015 (2nd Week, Michaelmas Term)

Tuesday 27 October 2015 (3rd Week, Michaelmas Term)

Tuesday 3 November 2015 (4th Week, Michaelmas Term)

Tuesday 10 November 2015 (5th Week, Michaelmas Term)

Tuesday 17 November 2015 (6th Week, Michaelmas Term)

Tuesday 24 November 2015 (7th Week, Michaelmas Term)

Tuesday 1 December 2015 (8th Week, Michaelmas Term)

This series features in the following public collections: