What Philosophy for medical Education? Theoretical Issues in Practice

Abstract

Continuing the international debate on teaching philosophy to non-philosophers, we discuss why and how philosophy of science should be included in the training of young physicians. We detail what philosophy contents and tools should be delivered, stressing that professional philosophers should teach what biomedical students actually need. Some successful examples of philosophy courses in Italian Medical Schools are presented, in the light of which we argue that jointly considering research issues, training initiatives, academic curricula and institutional and organizational constraints can effectively foster a rethinking of the role philosophy can play in medical education – a role which might impact positively the future of both philosophy and biomedicine.