A Deweyan case for the study of uncertainty in health geography

Abstract

John Dewey long ago challenged the philosophical tradition by arguing that uncertainty is a central, but undertheorized, trait of existence. His challenge to philosophy is also a challenge to the social sciences, including those that focus on health. In this paper, I set out to accomplish two goals. One is to present Dewey's view on uncertainty and thereby develop an argument for an underappreciated theoretical construct. The second is to explore the congruence of uncertainty and health geography with a focus on uncertainty's meaning and validity for inquiry in a health geography context. I begin with an explication of Dewey's position on uncertainty and assess it within a larger philosophical milieu. I then discuss various implications of this view for health geography and argue that the Deweyan case for uncertainty fits the discipline well. In the final part of the paper, I share an analysis of assisted living for older persons that displays different forms of uncertainty playing important roles in the health and place experience. I conclude that Dewey's philosophical position on uncertainty is a potentially important avenue for further inquiry into health and place.