Priors and Prejudice
- 1 January 1999
- journal article
- Published by Springer Nature in Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics
- Vol. 20 (4) , 319-327
- https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1009905701990
Abstract
This paper explores the relationship between concepts of probability and hermeneutics. It seeks to examine the relationship between subjective (Bayesian) views of probability and hermeneutic descriptions of understanding. It is argued that Gadamer'saccount of the prejudicial nature of understanding, derived from Heidegger'sanalysis of foreunderstanding, offers a provocative model of clinical reasoning. The implications of this model for “evidence-based” medicine are discussed in conclusion.Keywords
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