On the Nature of Health: An Action-Theoretic Approach (Philosophy and Medicine, 26)

GENERAL INTRODUCTION This study of the concept of health is an attempt to combine central ideas in modern philosophy of medicine with certain results from analytical action theory. What emerges from the study is a concept 'of health based on an action-theoretic foundation. A person's health is characterized as his ability to achieve his vital goals. The general conception is not new. This study has been inspired by a number of scholars, both ancient and modern. The most important influences from the latter have been those of Georges Canguilhem, H. Tristram Engelhardt Jr. , Caroline Whitbeck and Ingmar Porn. The novel aspect of this book consists of elaborations made to the general conception. First, the action-theoretic platform is analysed in some detail. The nature of the ability involved, as well as the conditions for having that ability, are specified. Second, the vital goals of man are given considerable attention. Some previous attempts to define such vital goals are analysed and criticized. A new characterization is proposed, in which the vital goals are conceptually linked to the notion of happiness. A person's vital goals are such states of affairs as are necessary and together sufficient for his minimal happiness. Third, a number of consequences of this con­ ception are observed and analysed. One issue which is particularly empha­ sized is that of whether the concept of health is a theoretical or a normative concept.

Nordenfelt, L.Y

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Springer

<p>GENERAL INTRODUCTION This study of the concept of health is an attempt to combine central ideas in modern philosophy of medicine with certain results from analytical action theory. What emerges from the study is a concept 'of health based on an action-theoretic foundation. A person's health is characterized as his ability to achieve his vital goals. The general conception is not new. This study has been inspired by a number of scholars, both ancient and modern. The most important influences from the latter have been those of Georges Canguilhem, H. Tristram Engelhardt Jr. , Caroline Whitbeck and Ingmar Porn. The novel aspect of this book consists of elaborations made to the general conception. First, the action-theoretic platform is analysed in some detail. The nature of the ability involved, as well as the conditions for having that ability, are specified. Second, the vital goals of man are given considerable attention. Some previous attempts to define such vital goals are analysed and criticized. A new characterization is proposed, in which the vital goals are conceptually linked to the notion of happiness. A person's vital goals are such states of affairs as are necessary and together sufficient for his minimal happiness. Third, a number of consequences of this con ception are observed and analysed. One issue which is particularly empha sized is that of whether the concept of health is a theoretical or a normative concept.</p>

<p>This book is a contribution to the general philosophy of action and the philosophy of welfare. The author makes separate analyses of concepts such as action, ability, interaction, action-explanation, happiness, health, illness and disability. At the same time he explores and substantiates the idea of a strong interdependence between the concept of action and some of the central concepts of welfare, in particular health and illness and related concepts.</p>

Action, Ability and Health - Essays in the Philosphy of Action and Welfare (INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY OF ETHICS, LAW, AND THE NEW)

Politics & Social Sciences

Philosophy

This book is a contribution to the general philosophy of action and the philosophy of welfare. The author makes separate analyses of concepts such as action, ability, interaction, action-explanation, happiness, health, illness and disability. At the same time he explores and substantiates the idea of a strong interdependence between the concept of action and some of the central concepts of welfare, in particular health and illness and related concepts.

Action, Ability and Health: Essays in the Philosophy of Action and Welfare (International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine)

Science & Math

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Books by Nordenfelt, L.Y

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Nordenfelt, L.Y. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

On the Nature of Health: An Action-Theoretic Approach (Philosophy and Medicine, 26)

On the Nature of Health: An Action-Theoretic Approach (Philosophy and Medicine, 26)

Action, Ability and Health - Essays in the Philosphy of Action and Welfare (INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY OF ETHICS, LAW, AND THE NEW)

Action, Ability and Health: Essays in the Philosophy of Action and Welfare (International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine)