Structured Logic: A Philosophical Framework for Diagnostic Imaging Studies

Philosophical frameworks are rarely made explicit in clinical research, yet they underlie decisions at every stage of study design. This technical report presents a case example of how a logical positivist epistemology, which emphasized observable data, inductive generalization, and methodological disinterestedness, was intentionally applied to a vascular imaging study involving duplex ultrasound and venography in the diagnosis of pelvic vein compression syndromes. While the focus is on imaging, the relevance of epistemological transparency extends broadly to clinical trials, diagnostic tests, and AI-driven decision support. The study's design, data abstraction, and analytic processes were grounded in a transparent philosophical foundation, as documented in the author's original thesis. This report outlines the methodological structure, defends the choice of positivism, compares competing frameworks, and reflects on how epistemology can shape research validity.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-06-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.86957
Primary Topic
Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Structured Logic: A Philosophical Framework for Diagnostic Imaging Studies

Sam S Ahn, Kevin Rivera
Cureus
Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills
article

Structured Logic: A Philosophical Framework for Diagnostic Imaging Studies

Sam S Ahn, Kevin Rivera
article en

Abstract

Philosophical frameworks are rarely made explicit in clinical research, yet they underlie decisions at every stage of study design. This technical report presents a case example of how a logical positivist epistemology, which emphasized observable data, inductive generalization, and methodological disinterestedness, was intentionally applied to a vascular imaging study involving duplex ultrasound and venography in the diagnosis of pelvic vein compression syndromes. While the focus is on imaging, the relevance of epistemological transparency extends broadly to clinical trials, diagnostic tests, and AI-driven decision support. The study's design, data abstraction, and analytic processes were grounded in a transparent philosophical foundation, as documented in the author's original thesis. This report outlines the methodological structure, defends the choice of positivism, compares competing frameworks, and reflects on how epistemology can shape research validity.

CureusVol. 17(6)
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 83%
Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills
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Structured Logic: A Philosophical Framework for Diagnostic Imaging Studies — Sam S Ahn, Kevin Rivera · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS