Some metaphysical problems concerning the subject matter of medical knowledge

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.