Empirical Evidence in a Process of Clinical Decision Making Cover Image

Ewidencja empiryczna w procesie podejmowania decyzji klinicznych
Empirical Evidence in a Process of Clinical Decision Making

Author(s): Tomasz Rzepiński
Subject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Uniwersytet Warszawski - Wydział Filozofii i Socjologii, Instytut Filozofii
Keywords: epistemology; empirical evidence; clinical decision; causal relation; randomization

Summary/Abstract: The subject of this article is to discuss epistemological issues related to the process of obtaining empirical evidence in medicine. This paper will present how N. Cartwright, J. Worrall and P. Urbach describe the function of the randomisation procedure in this process. Based on these findings, it will be possible to define an alternative method of obtaining empirical evidence for the purpose of making clinical decisions. This method involves data analysis using the Rough Set Theory proposed by Z. Pawlak. By applying this method, a deterministic algorithm for making clinical decisions can be formulated. Being an interesting alternative to statistical approaches that dominate in medicine, the RST method generates specific epistemological problems. Therefore, it seems to constitute an interesting subject of analysis for philosophers of science.

  • Issue Year: 20/2012
  • Issue No: 3 (79)
  • Page Range: 13-33
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Polish