Care and cure : an introduction to philosophy of medicine /

Despite a wealth of books and articles dedicated to philosophical examinations of medicine and medical practice, there was, up to this point, no comprehensive introductory text for the philosophy of medicine. Care and Cure fills this gap by providing the first detailed overview of the field. In 14 chapters, Stegenga (Univ. of Cambridge) explores a series of epistemological, metaphysical, and political questions and topics covering issues as diverse as health, disease, objectivity, psychiatry, and public health, among others. Stegenga discusses the key aspects of each debate (incorporating historical and contemporary perspectives) while introducing the reader to a range of useful examples illustrating the central points. Additionally, the end of each section includes a brief but helpful set of recommended further readings as well as three to four discussion questions. Stegenga has written an incredibly clear and accessible text with a very intuitive structure. It will prove useful to anyone who teaches or studies philosophy of medicine, medical humanities, or bioethics. Summing Up: Essential. Undergraduates through faculty and professionals. --Jordan Liz, San Jose State University