[Defending pluralism].

Abstract

The 20th century is the century of modernity. Medical science and technology have basically and positively changed the health of the population. The serious infectious diseases are under control and the health services and their institutions have expanded extensively, in Norway as throughout the western world. Nevertheless, there is an impression of general frustration and discontentment. The authors reflect over this paradox by reminding the reader of some of the main developments in primary care in this century. They call attention to former Director General of the Norwegian Board of Health, Karl Evang, and his role as initiator and leader, and see him in contrast to former Minister of Health, Werner Christie and his criticism of the system. The authors suggest that the crisis within the health care system emerging over the last decades, should be understood as a crisis of modernity. There is a need to adjust some of the ideals which have dominated our century. In order to face the challenges of post-modern society, they recommend restoring the art of medicine. Above all, there is a need to incorporate pluralism as an essential value in the planning of our future health care system.