Why several truths can be true

Abstract

In this paper, we offer a perspective on complementarity, acknowledging that it is not possible for human perception and cognition to grasp reality with unambiguous concepts or theories. Therefore, multiple concepts and perspectives are valid when they are not exaggerated beyond reasonable limits and do not claim exclusive validity. We recommend a humble stance enabling respectful dialogue between different perspectives in medical science and practice.

KEY POINTS

• No single perspective in clinical or scientific medicine can exhaustively explain medical phenomena.

• Scientific attitude is characterised by a willingness to look for objections against what we prefer as truths.

• Complementarity or unifying contradictions are concepts that allow for humility and pluralism in clinical and scientific medicine.

Keywords:

• Medical ethics
• research ethics
• philosophy of science

Acknowledgements

Edvin Schei and Ragnar Fjelland contributed with text, and together with Reidun S Kjome advised us on earlier drafts of this paper.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.