Technology beyond Biology; Isn't It Time to Update WHO's Definition of Health?


Journal

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
ISSN: 1648-9144
Titre abrégé: Medicina (Kaunas)
Pays: Switzerland
ID NLM: 9425208

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
05 Sep 2024
Historique:
received: 24 07 2024
revised: 30 08 2024
accepted: 03 09 2024
medline: 28 9 2024
pubmed: 28 9 2024
entrez: 28 9 2024
Statut: epublish

Résumé

Technology is increasingly shaping human life, particularly in healthcare, where recent advancements have revolutionized patient care. Despite these advances, the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of health remains rooted in traditional notions, raising questions about its adequacy in light of technological progress. This paper explores the conceptual and practical limitations of the current definition and argues for its revision to encompass the role of technology in health. This paper examines the evolving landscape of healthcare technology and its philosophical implications, drawing on theories such as the Extended Health Hypothesis and the Extended Mind Hypothesis. It claims that health extends beyond traditional biological boundaries and includes the influence of technology on well-being. This paper advocates for a re-examination of the WHO definition of health to reflect the integral role of technology in modern healthcare. Recognizing technology as part of health necessitates a broader conceptual framework that acknowledges the interconnectedness of biology, technology, and human well-being. Given technology's transformative role in healthcare, this paper argues for a revaluation of the WHO's definition of health to encapsulate the evolving relationship between technology and human well-being. At the end, we propose a new definition recognizing that health is a dynamic state of physical, mental, social, and technological well-being, wherein individuals can achieve optimal quality of life through the harmonious integration of biological, psychological, and technological factors. This state encompasses not only the absence of disease but also the effective utilization of advanced technologies.

Identifiants

pubmed: 39336497
pii: medicina60091456
doi: 10.3390/medicina60091456
pii:
doi:

Types de publication

Journal Article

Langues

eng

Sous-ensembles de citation

IM

Auteurs

Maja Baretić (M)

Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Internal Clinic, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.

Dragan Primorac (D)

St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
International Centre for Applied Biological Research, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia.
School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Eberly College of Science, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA.
The Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
Regiomed Kliniken, 96450 Coburg, Germany.

David de Bruijn (D)

Department of Philosophy, Auburn University, College of Liberal Arts, 7030 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.

Velimir Altabas (V)

School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Sisters of Charity University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.

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Classifications MeSH