(P1-47) Disaster Medicine and the Philosophy

Abstract

There are many problems, to be solved in the actual fields of disaster medicine. That is the reason why we completed the disaster medicine compendium, 2005. As the next stage, we focused upon the significance of the philosophy from the viewpoint of the disaster medicine.

Results

In the disaster situation, leaders are obliged to determine the policies under the mental/ sophisticated consideration. Basically, the following famous phrase “the greatest good (happiness) for the greatest number of people” are accepted simply/childishly without profound thought. This phrase is presented by the popular concept of Utilitarianism beggined by Jeremy Bentham, followed by John Stuart Mill, etc. This concept strongly influenced in the field of disaster medicine, especially the decision making of triage. However, several argument or criticisms have been pointed out: i.e., definition of happiness, relief of the minority or so-called CWAP, etc. Other opinions are included, as follows: John Rawls: The Principle of Justice or Maximin Principle, Kan Naoto: Minimal unhappiness/misery in the society/people, etc.

Conclusions

I basically appreciate the concept utilitarianism. But, especially, if we consider the CWAP or people in the poor countries under the actual unfavorable condition, the latter concepts should also be included.