The Unexamined Calling

Med Sci Educ. 2019 Jun;29(2):571-575. doi: 10.1007/s40670-019-00707-3. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Abstract

Philosophy and philosophical assumptions are crucial to our work as physicians and investigators; however, training in philosophy remains poorly represented among medical students and their educators. In this brief essay, I argue the case that philosophical assumptions concerning knowledge and the scientific method are relevant for medical practice and research, concluding with a call for greater attention to philosophy in pre-medical and medical education.

Keywords: history of science; medical education; medical humanities; philosophy.