Uncertainty Is a Fact of Life

Abstract Uncertainty pervades all of life. In some cases, it is explicit, in others it is implicit, and in yet others it is unrecognized. Response can take one of several forms: ignoring the uncertainty and responding either randomly or instinctually; recognizing the uncertainty and actively working to reduce or eliminate it; or, while accepting a situation as uncertain, simply delaying reacting while awaiting clarification. Studying the philosophic underpinnings of all aspects of uncertainty dates from antiquity. It is only in the past half-century that the general concepts have been examined in medicine. Gradually, recognizing and coping with uncertainty have evolved in medical education and practice.