Basic science, science, and medical education.

Abstract

It is generally accepted that medical students should learn those stories from the basic sciences which enable medicine to be rational. But there are several reasons why science as an explanatory activity has much more to offer, particularly if the views of Popper are accepted. Unfortunately an appreciation of the nature of science is only accidentally acquired in traditional schools and current forces may well weaken its chances in newer schools. Some of the criticisms levelled at modern medincine which may be attributed to excessive science are misdirected. There is too little science, not too much.