Philosophy and medicine: the Oxford connection.
Three aspects of the approach to philosophy advocated by the Oxford philosopher J. L. Austin are outlined: his conception of the nature of philosophical problems, essentially as a mixed bag; his method of linguistic analysis, namely, clarification of our concepts by active observation of the ways in which they are actually used rather than by passive reflection on their meanings; and his views on the organisation of philosophical research, that in some areas it should be pursued rather as a science is pursued, as a corporate rather than merely individual venture. It is suggested that Austin's approach provides the basis for a potentially fruitful two-way relationship between philosophical theory and medical practice.
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford.
K W
KW
Fulford
D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D010819:Physician's Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation