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Genetic Tools, Kuhnean Theoretical Shift and the Geneticization Process

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Abstract

The growing use of genetic tests in medical practice has a strong influence on some widespread notions of health and unhealth. Two consequences of this phenomenon are: (i) important changes in the meaning of these current notions and, therefore, (ii) the arrival of a new taxonomy or rearrangement for the so-called “health-concepts”. This paper attempts to demonstrate that both facts fuel a theoretical change that might be considered a model of scientific Kuhnean change in a fundamental aspect. On the other hand, this theoretical shift process offers the basis for approaching a present-day controversy, i.e. whether Western society is going through a period of geneticization or not, from a new perspective.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fundaçao para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Centro de Filosofia da Ciência, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, PT

    Juan Manuel Torres

  2. Universidad N. del Sur, 8000, Bahia Blanca, Argentina

    Juan Manuel Torres

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  1. Juan Manuel Torres
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Correspondence to Juan Manuel Torres.

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Torres, J.M. Genetic Tools, Kuhnean Theoretical Shift and the Geneticization Process. Med Health Care Philos 9, 3–12 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11019-005-8317-3

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