Abstract:
In the article I discuss the distinction between the object of study
and the subject matter of scientific research, and explore the metaphysical
foundations necessary for the explication of the object of study and subject matter of
medicine. I argue that the subject matter of medicine is related to the instantiation of
the ontologically independent universal of ideal functioning, which is realized in
particular non-ideal circumstances, giving rise to a disposition for a disease. I employ
the concept of grounding as a type of metaphysical dependence to formulate
particular conditions of the distortion of the universal of health. I also consider the
application of Platonism to the definition of disease, and argue that not every
interpretation of Platonism is sufficient for a correct definition of disease.
