Constructive realism and medicine: an approach to medical ontology

Metaphysics is an essential part of philosophy of medicine, providing the background for further methodological work. Current accounts of the ontology of particular diseases may be classified as realist or anti-realist. Because strong arguments can be marshaled by both of these positions, an approach to medical ontology that draws support from both sides of this divide would be desirable. Abstract models, as described by Ronald Giere, provide such an approach. After a review of Giere's account of mechanics, I show how abstract models can provide an account of the ontology of diseases.