Alternatives and Medical Dissidence

Abstract

This chapter introduces the notion of medical dissidence: conscious deviation from the main current of professional opinion. Cosmopolitanism is applied as a way of getting to grips with the popularity of Alternative Medicine despite its common dismissal among the literati. Most efficacy claims are not well supported in Alternative Medicine. However, it is not necessarily irrational to give them credence, or to rely on anecdotal evidence, because testimony is so central to nearly all medical evidence, and people are very differently placed in the reasons they might have to believe or disbelieve testimony. In addition, there may be non-curative value in alternative medicine. Cosmopolitanism does not advise an attitude of “anything goes,” but does urge humility on those of whatever persuasion who dismiss other traditions or people as irrational.