Theory and Therapy: On the Conceptual Structure of Models in Medical Research

Three models for the relationship between scientific research and practical intervention (as in technology development or medical therapy) are presented. The cascade model proceeds on the assumption that the control of natural processes requires the disentangling of their underlying causal relations. Emergentism claims that intervention needs to take subtle features of experience into account whose diversity and wealth transcend the grip of fundamental principles. Practical challenges need to be addressed by jettisoning the principles and by turning to the particulars of experience instead. The interactive view grants that general theory fails to capture the phenomena to a degree necessary to direct targeted intervention and claims that the empirical details only serve to complete and correct a theory-based conceptual framework. Studying cases from cancer research buttresses the interactive view. A theoretical framework for understanding the disease is of critical importance for devising treatment options. But these options are only vaguely outlined and need to be spelled out by drawing on the particulars of experience.