Nosology: The Monogenic Conception of Disease

Abstract

This chapter examines a particular sub- category of the aetiological definition of disease, namely, the monogenic account. In turn, it will explore in detail a particular conception of that sub- category, the infectious-agent model, setting out the background for its ascendancy as well as looking at some of the reasons which have sustained its century- long reputation as a progressive research programme in biomedicine. It will, however, also critically assess how such a programme copes with the anomalies which confront it.