Die medizinische Diagnose

How certain can we be of the accuracy of a doctor’s diagnosis? Which inference rules are used? Why do diagnostic errors happen? The author illuminates the convoluted thought process from symptom presentation to diagnosis using epistemology and theory of science with a special reference to the scientific theory of Charles S. Peirce. But using abduction to achieve a medical diagnosis epistemologically means a logical fallacy. The author argues that making an accurate diagnosis – "the Art of Medicine" - is the result of knowledge- and experience-based medical judgement and critical reasoning, which nowadays could be supplemented by the judicious use of digital algorithms.