Academic Milestone: “Towards a Philosophy of Health: Where Is Medicine?”

On Thursday, 28 November 2024, the Social Security Organisation for Entrepreneurs, Professionals and the Self-Employed (OSDEPYM) hosted the event “Towards a Philosophy of Health – Where Is Medicine?”, organised jointly by the Institute for Research on Social Security Organisations (IIDOS), OSDEPYM, and the University of San Isidro (USI).

The event brought together leading experts to reflect on contemporary paradigms of health, approaching medicine from philosophical, ethical, and social perspectives

The opening remarks were delivered by Alfredo Gamietea, President of OSDEPYM, who emphasised the significance of IIDOS in the field of health research. “The institute is a key component for us, and we are deeply pleased to continue receiving the support of the University of San Isidro,” he stated.  

Throughout the day, the speakers addressed health from various angles. Professor Luis Brusco, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA)—both a physician and a philosopher—contributed via a recorded video message, expressing his enthusiasm for exploring the connection between philosophy and medicine and acknowledging the importance of the event.

Dr Enrique Del Percio, Rector of USI, opened the keynote lectures with “Health and Higher Education in the Age of Advanced Digital Technology”, offering reflections on the ethical and educational challenges posed by the integration of technology in the health field. He also stressed the importance of training healthcare professionals in the ethical use of emerging technologies.

Next, Dr Daniel Roggero presented “A Genealogy of the WHO Definition of Health”, analysing how the concept of health has evolved over time—from its earliest formulations to the version enshrined in the WHO Preamble—highlighting the philosophical and societal shifts that have shaped this journey.

Dr Facundo Rodríguez followed with “Critical Analysis of the WHO Definition of Health: The Role of Medicine”, offering an in-depth exploration of the implications of the official definition of health and the central role medicine plays in contemporary understandings of wellbeing.

In her talk “Philosophy of Health Systems: Beyond Bioethics”, Lic. Gisela Ponce argued for more comprehensive approaches that extend beyond strictly bioethical considerations, urging a rethinking of health systems through broader philosophical and social lenses.

The closing lecture was delivered by Dr Franco Caviglia, who presented “The Evolution of Health: Gradualism or Paradigm Shift?”. He examined the epistemological transformations that the concept of health has undergone throughout history, with a focus on how scientific, social, and philosophical changes have influenced our current understanding of health.

Caviglia also highlighted the dramatic increase in life expectancy—from 30 to 40 years in the 19th century to today’s global average of 71 years, according to the WHO. “This radical shift compels us to rethink the current challenges facing health systems, calling for a more inclusive and balanced approach,” he noted.

The President of IIDOS concluded by stating that philosophy must play a role in building a new model of health—one that reduces social gaps and democratises access to technologies such as artificial intelligence, in pursuit of a fairer and more equitable health system for all.

This pioneering event in the region reaffirms the commitment of IIDOS and USI to academic innovation and the transformation of health systems for the benefit of society.