EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE - WHY IS THIS A THING? (PART 1)

****Part 1: Introduction - Why is Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) the embodiment of the Faustian spirit?

The Faustian spirit of Western culture is often described as an insatiable desire for knowledge, power, and achievement, regardless of the consequences. This spirit is exemplified by the character of Faust, who is willing to make a deal with the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and worldly success. This quest for knowledge and power has driven Western culture to remarkable achievements, including advances in science, technology, and medicine. At the same time, it has led to a disregard for tradition, a rejection of limits, and a tendency to pursue progress at any cost.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a core value of modern Western medicine that embodies the Faustian spirit. EBM is an approach to medical practice that emphasizes the use of scientific evidence to guide clinical decision-making. It involves critically appraising and synthesizing the best available evidence from research studies, clinical experience, and patient preferences to inform clinical practice.

On the surface, EBM seems like a rational and objective approach to medical practice, but it is also infused with the Faustian spirit of Western culture. EBM is driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a desire for control over nature. It assumes that the truth can be discovered through empirical research and that this truth can be used to guide clinical decision-making. This approach has been tremendously successful in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes, but it has also led to a number of limitations and criticisms.

In this essay, I will explore the relationship between evidence-based medicine and the Faustian spirit of Western culture. I will examine what evidence-based medicine is, how it embodies the Faustian spirit, and the limitations and criticisms of this approach to medical practice. Finally, I will discuss how Oswald Spengler's philosophical views can address some of these limitations and provide a more nuanced perspective on the relationship between evidence-based medicine and Western culture.

Overall, evidence-based medicine represents a complex interplay between the rational pursuit of knowledge and the Faustian spirit of Western culture. While EBM has been immensely successful in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes, it is important to recognize its limitations and the potential unintended consequences of its implementation. By exploring this relationship in more detail, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern Western medicine and the broader cultural forces that shape it.