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Normality as Convention and as Scientific Fact

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Handbook of the Philosophy of Medicine

Abstract

The concept of the normal is central in modern societies in general and in medicine in particular. Norms are established for body measurements such as cholesterol and body temperature. There are several interpretations of “normal” however. The statistical concept of “normal” is a relatively recent phenomenon historically and some argue that it is a mechanism of power and control. On the other hand, a concept of the normal is arguably necessary to science, medicine, and the possibility of diagnosis.

“The normal itself is an abnormality.”

G.K. Chesterton

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Ruth Chadwick

Authors
  1. Ruth Chadwick
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Correspondence to Ruth Chadwick .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

    Thomas Schramme

  2. Philosophy, History and Law, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom

    Steven Edwards

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Chadwick, R. (2017). Normality as Convention and as Scientific Fact. In: Schramme, T., Edwards, S. (eds) Handbook of the Philosophy of Medicine. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8688-1_9

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