Technology beyond Biology; Isn't It Time to Update WHO's Definition of Health?
WHO
extended health hypothesis
extended mind hypothesis
health
technology
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
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