Yuta Kobayashi

Kei Yoshida’s recent book Philosophy of the Social Sciences: An Introduction is the first introductory textbook on the philosophy of the social sciences written in Japanese. It concisely expounds on a wide range of topics in the discipline, while its explication of those topics is not impartial or neutral as the author himself says. This paper gives a critical review of the book. The first half of it briefly overviews and assesses the book as a whole. The latter half of the paper reconstructs the gist of the author’s exposition of the naturalism/interpretivism debate and criticizes it.

As public values change and diversify, a wide range of attitudes focused on basic aims of healthcare will develop. Yet, few opportunities exist between professionals and patients to discuss various healthcare issues and concerns. In this study, we used the NeoSocratic Dialogue method and established a forum to discuss fairness in the healthcare system among participants with diverse backgrounds. Participants in three sessions, based on case studies concerning elderly healthcare service, basic coverage, and rationing of care, achieved a consensus on the following principles: healthcare service should fulfill patient’s health needs; certain services should be equally provided to every patient; everyone should support the healthcare system; and patients and professionals are responsible for establishing a fair healthcare service. All groups supported the egalitarian system of healthcare in Japan and suggested necessary improvements. The NSD facilitated to formulate shared ethical principles and responsibilities among healthcare professionals and the general public.