Counterfactual Thinking and the Identity Problem: The Casus of Communication about Genetic Risks

The subject of this article is counterfactual thinking as a tool in geneticist-patient communication under conditions uncertainty. focuses on the use narrative one main components doctor-patient framework making decisions about future treatment. for are considered, taking into consideration two features: logic predetermination and influence overpersonal forces notions kinship that contribute to deindividualization patient. Based A.S. Karpenko's formulation concept possibility, heuristic approach sketching possible scenarios treatment during genetic counseling outlined. novelty study lies analysis problem self-future identity, constructed by patient narrative. This examined using thought experiments. first experiment (concerning fate unborn child - D. Bunin) reveals identity itself. second non-derministic behavior flipped coin C. Dorst) shows how disclosed It shown creating disease its with counterfactuals it important take account "necessary properties" (U. Eco) patient, focusing qualitative, not numerical identity. In last section conclusion justified light through which can be revealed.