Abstract

The power of technology has led to a crossroads in world view. A choice for technism advocates technological growth and economic development, making means into ends. A radical loss of human potential appears to result. A choice for humanism seeks to implement programs enhancing autonomy and the quest for completeness. Choices concerning the practice, organization, and financing of medical treatment also present a crossroads. The choice for medicalization or demedicalization will support technism or humanism, respectively. The close relationship of sociomedical to metaphysical concepts gives these choices the leverage and power to affect the world view. The two crossroads are described and a choice for demedicalization and humanism advocated. Different conceptions of health, health care, responsibility, autonomy, needs, and rights result from the choice at the medical crossroads. Different conceptions of self, others, nature and the proper interrelationships result from the choice at the crossroads of world views. Humanism entails a different culture to support its values. Both programs carry significant risks. Conceptual analysis and historical research support the conclusions