Inductive–Deductive Reasoning, Logos–Mythos, Risk & Heroism in Clinical Ethics

Administrative & Course Logistics

  • Chapter 4 of "Nine Virtues" now posted on Brightspace; author’s permission obtained.
  • Video lectures also uploaded (Brightspace + Mediasite).
  • Instructor writes exam questions only from his own lectures (not from visiting lecturers).
  • Course contains ≈ 30–35 core points; many MCQs used to reinforce them.
  • Enriching examples (e.g., guns⁠–⁠germs⁠–⁠seals; calculating Earth’s size) will not be examined.
  • Attendance code mentioned during class: 9606.
  • Exam format clarified after break:
    • Mid-term & Final = multiple choice only (no essays or short answer).
    • Questions on Chapter 4 will appear only on the Final.

Inductive vs Deductive Reasoning

  • Deduction = analysis; tear a whole into parts; tests a hypothesis via necessary consequences.
  • Induction = synthesis; moves from observations → generalisations → most credible conclusion when deductive experiment impossible ("what is most reasonable to operationalise").
  • Key maxim: "Difference between certainty & credibility."
    • We live in credibility; seek certainty; often unavailable.
    • Lack of deductive test ≠ falsehood; proposition may remain most credible option.
  • Examples:
    • Evolution: factual or not, still a theory because not deductively testable.
    • Eratosthenes (≈ 01/1994 BCE) used sun-shadow geometry to inductively infer round Earth and \text{circumference}≈25\,000\text{ mi}; deduction unavailable until satellite era.
    • Columbus mis-estimated Earth by ignoring existing inductive literature.
  • Scientific method: induction to generate hypotheses, deduction (when possible) to test.

Nagel & Cosmic Intelligibility

  • Philosopher Thomas Nagel (book Mind & Cosmos) proposes: intelligibility is built into the universe; simplest, least-arbitrary explanation is likelier true because it renders reality understandable.
  • Upshot: our brains (part of cosmos) are wired to favour simplicity → strengthens inductive preference for parsimonious hypotheses (Occam’s Razor).

Historical Link: Science, Faith & Magic

  • Early scientists (Newton, Galileo) studied nature believing it reflected a rational Creator → worth studying because universe is intelligible.
  • Recommended video: “Uncommon Knowledge – The Magician’s Twin” (magic & science both attempt to alter physical world for benefit; science succeeded, magic didn’t).

Case Study: Jan van Eyck’s “Arnolfini Wedding Portrait” (1434)

Deductive/Analytic Clues (supports ‘wedding’ hypothesis)

  • Pregnant pose (voluminous gown or allegory of hoped-for fertility).
  • Open bed curtains + finial carving of St Catherine (patron of childbirth).
  • Dog = fidelity ("Fido").
  • Shoes removed (sacred ground symbolism).
  • Fruit on sideboard = fruitfulness.
  • Groom’s raised hand resembles benediction.

Inductive/Synthetic Clues (artist’s ulterior motive)

  • Hemispherical mirror: reflects backs of couple and two extra figures (blue-clad painter Jan van Eyck & his assistant).
  • Latin inscription below chandelier finial: "Johannes de Eyck fuit hic" (“Jan was here”) + chandelier arm acting like arrow → self-advertisement.
  • Reading: painting doubles as self-portrait & marketing, akin to modern product placement (Corona bottles in movies).

Internality, Charisma & Emotional Intelligence

  • Diagram: concentric circles – total self (large) vs small slice shown to others.
  • Goal: enlarge shareable region by cultivating admirable virtues.
  • Goleman quote (from Emotional Intelligence): social poise, commitment, responsibility, ethical outlook, comfort with self/others/universe → basis of charisma.
  • Interview insight: after credentials verified, committees chiefly ask "Do we like this person?"; authenticity & humour matter (example: dean-interview anecdote).

Transactional vs Relational / The Transcendent

  • Analytical (logos) = transactional; explains how things work.
  • Synthetic (mythos) = relational; reveals what things mean; taps transcendent layer.
  • TV archetypes (Spock, Sheldon, Dr Sean Murphy) excel in transactional, lack relational/empathic depth.
  • Coach story: used basketball to glimpse transcendence – wins + profound human moments (Mitchell & Jonathan game) moved all observers.

Creativity, Induction & Attribution

  • Human mind links unrelated elements (induction) → mascots, team names (Golden State “Warriors”), animal symbols (lion = king, eagle = courage, Borzoi = Russian royalty).
  • Creativity = metaphysical synthesis of what is + what might be.

Game-Theory Ethics: ITV “Golden Balls” Experiments

Rules Recap

  • Each finalist holds two balls: Split or Steal; choose one secretly.
    • Both Split → share pot.
    • One Steal / one Split → stealer takes all.
    • Both Steal → zero.

Scenario 1: Steven & Sarah

  • Class poll predicted majority would steal (Steven 57 % steal; Sarah 59 % steal).
  • Actual show outcome (implicit): Steven split, Sarah stole.
  • Analysis of non-verbal “tells”:
    • Steven relaxed & smiling (confident about splitting).
    • Sarah tense, repeatedly seeks reassurance – signal of impending betrayal.

Scenario 2: Nick & Ibrahim (famous clip)

  • Nick openly declares he will steal but promises private 50/50 split afterward; Ibrahim torn.
  • Class predicted: Nick steal 66 %, Ibrahim split 56 %.
  • Actual outcome: both chose Split (Nick lied to benefit the other).

Ethical Lesson: Intent Matters

  • Sarah’s lie: self-benefit + harm to other.
  • Nick’s lie: risk to self + potential help to other.
    → Same outward act (lying) judged differently because of underlying intent.

Greek Framework: Logos & Mythos

  • Logos (λόγος): rational, empirical, explanatory; our use of deduction.
  • Mythos (μῦθος): narrative conveying timeless meaning; not “falsehood.”
  • Karen Armstrong (A Short History of Myth): myths transmit experiential truths beyond factual accuracy; must be lived to verify their worth.
  • Music & art as direct mythos conduits (Beethoven quartet evokes sorrow “itself”).
  • Declaration of Independence line “self-evident” – some truths apprehended innately, not argued.
  • Ether Dome illustration:
    • Photograph gives factual logos.
    • Oil painting captures mythos – revolutionary impact of surgical anesthesia (“stupendous achievement … eradication of fear of pain”).
  • NYU President John Sexton maxim: “Everything I say is true, if not factual.”

Heroism & Professional Ethics

  • Working definition: Hero = someone who does for another what that person utterly needs yet cannot do, when others refuse.
  • Dental example: 12-year-old Diamonte Driver died from untreated abscess → needed a dentist/hero; highlights sins of omission (turning Medicaid patient away).
  • Practical vignette: Friday 5 pm central-incisor pulpitis.
    • Ethical dentist may open tooth & later finish RCT + crown, even if payment uncertain; generosity shapes reputation & fulfills heroic potential.

Virtue as the Golden Mean (Aristotle)

  • Courage lies between:
    • Deficiency → Cowardice.
    • Excess → Recklessness.
  • Constant calibration needed in clinical risk-taking.

Risk, Laziness & Cowardice

  • Thomas Merton (Thoughts in Solitude): “Laziness & cowardice are greatest enemies of spiritual life… most dangerous when masking as discretion.”
  • Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25): servant who buried money condemned for fear-based inaction.
  • Modern risk illustration:
    • Felix Baumgartner Red Bull Stratos jump (128 kft).
    • Tragic reminder: NYU alumnus Dr Noel Liu (1997) – certified skydiver, fatal parachute malfunction July 2022.
  • Balance: world needs risk-takers (Empire State, Golden Gate) but risks must align with meaningful ends.

Classical Image: Dying Gaul (formerly “Dying Slave”)

  • Roman marble copy of Greek bronze; warrior with torc (neck ring) → Celtic identity.
  • Visible wound (intercostal bleed) suggests pneumothorax; sword & shield indicate battlefield death.
  • Quote (The Good Life): “A dying hero or an exhausted artist have well-being … happy thief or tyrant cannot.” → True well-being linked to purposeful struggle, not comfort.
  • Marathon runners as modern analogue – exhaustion embodies commitment.

Closing Thesis

  • Dentistry offers repeated chances to enact heroic mythos through daily choices (yes/no; risk/benefit; transactional/relational).
  • Aim: institutionalise heroism within professional identity – expand the hidden blue interior into authentic outward character.