Abstract

In this dissertation I contrast the conceptual framework and value system of mainstream medicine in the United States with three alternative forms of medicine: homeopathy, Catholic hospital practice and midwifery. ;After a brief introduction justifying my choice of alternatives, the first chapter gives a theoretical foundation in contemporary philosophy of science for the claim that there is no value-free science, and that medicine based on Western science is a value-oriented medicine. The next chapter examines homeopathy as an example of a system of medicine that differs from mainstream medicine in its scientific methods and values. The following chapter analyzes medical practice in Catholic hospitals, with a focus on issues of sexuality, personhood and death. Next I look at medicine from a feminist perspective to show that, both at the level of science and at the level of certain childbirth practices, such medicine departs from the values and worldviews of mainstream medicine. ;I conclude that the presence of values in the science and practice of medicine is inevitable. Efforts to transform medicine will be successful to the degree that they encourage the development of recognized avenues of criticism, shared standards that critics can invoke and a responsive larger community