Health Problems: Philosophical Puzzles about the Nature of Health

The book "Health is Weird" explores the philosophical explanation of health and argues that grappling with its weirdness can give us insight into social reality. It examines extant theories of health and defends a stance called ameliorative skepticism, which suggests that while health is real, there is no way of giving a coherent answer to the question "what is health?" Adopting this skeptical stance can help us better understand the role of health in our lives and the work that a theory of health needs to do.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Health is a complex and enigmatic concept that defies straightforward explanations or elegant theorizing. This book aims to provide a philosophical exploration of this peculiarity, while also presenting an argument that engaging with the unique characteristics of health can shed light on challenging questions about social reality. After critically examining existing theories of health, the book delves into some perplexing puzzles concerning the nature of health, where individuals are often torn between multiple perspectives or find themselves uttering conflicting statements.

Based on these puzzles, the book advocates for a stance known as ameliorative skepticism. While acknowledging the existence of health, this perspective suggests that there is no coherent or explanatorily sufficient answer to the question, "what is health?" However, adopting a skeptical stance can, according to the book, enhance our understanding of the role that health plays in our lives and the tasks that a theory of health must fulfill.

The book begins by examining various theories of health, including those proposed by prominent philosophers such as Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and John Rawls. However, it is found that these theories fall short in providing a comprehensive account of the multifaceted nature of health. The author then identifies several intractable puzzles concerning health, such as the relationship between health and happiness, the role of genetics in determining health, and the ethical implications of promoting health.

In response to these puzzles, the book advocates for a skeptical stance that recognizes the limitations of our understanding and the complexities of the health phenomenon. It suggests that while health is real, there is no single, definitive answer to the question "what is health?" Instead, the book proposes that we should approach health with a sense of humility and openness, recognizing that our perspectives and experiences may differ.

Through the exploration of these puzzles and the defense of ameliorative skepticism, the book aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the role that health plays in our lives. It encourages individuals to approach health with a critical eye, recognizing the limitations of existing theories and the complexities of the health phenomenon. By adopting a skeptical stance, the book suggests that we can better understand the work that a theory of health needs to do, such as providing guidance on how to promote health, prevent disease, and enhance well-being.

In conclusion, health is a weird concept that resists simple explanations or elegant theorizing. This book provides a philosophical exploration of this peculiarity, while also presenting an argument that grappling with the distinctive weirdness of health can give us insight into how we might approach difficult questions about social reality. By adopting a skeptical stance and engaging with the intractable puzzles surrounding health, the book aims to enhance our understanding of the role that health plays in our lives and the work that a theory of health needs to do.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192883476