Axel, Constant (2025) Logics of the theranostic and diagnostic processes. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The theranostic process innovates by relying on mechanistic biomarkers that have combined diagnostic and therapeutic utility; hence the term theranostic. Yet, some have argued that there is nothing substantially different about the theranostic strategy. Theranostics are just more efficient ways of doing what the diagnostic process has always been about: finding the cause of the condition to arrive at the right treatment plan. This may be correct from the point of view of clinical practice. However, it is incorrect from the point of view of clinical epistemology. This paper argues that there is a significant distinction between the diagnostic process and the theranostic process in matters of logic and in terms of the vulnerabilities to clinical errors to which these processes are respectively exposed. I argue that the diagnostic process follows a hypothetico-deductive model of demonstration that calls upon system 1 and system 2 reasoning patterns, which makes this process liable to cognitive diagnostic errors (i.e., errors that stem from failures in the clinician’s knowledge and reasoning). In turn, the theranostic process takes the form of a deductive-nomological explanation that eliminates the need to appeal to System 2 reasoning, which makes this process liable to system-related diagnostic errors.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Axel, Constant
Keywords:	Theranostic; Logic of science; Clinical reasoning; Diagnostic error; Precision Medicine
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Medicine > Biomedical Ethics General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism General Issues > Science and Society
Depositing User:	Axel AC Constant
Date Deposited:	05 Dec 2025 13:41
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2025 13:41
Item ID:	27369
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Medicine > Biomedical Ethics General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism General Issues > Science and Society
Date:	1 December 2025
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/27369

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• Logics of the theranostic and diagnostic processes. (deposited 02 Dec 2025 12:02)
  • Logics of the theranostic and diagnostic processes. (deposited 05 Dec 2025 13:41) [Currently Displayed]

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