The Enigma of Health: The Art of Healing in a Scientific AgeIn this important new book, Hans-Georg Gadamer discusses the transformation in human self-understanding wrought by the scientific worldview, focusing in particular on the unparalleled achievements of modern medicine. He explores the ethical and humanist issues raised by the technological successes of modern clinical practice, and relates them to the classical conception of "praxis" in the philosophical tradition. In a series of lucid and engaging analyses, Gadamer eloquently defends the idea of medicine, not only as a "science of health, but as an "art" of hermeneutic relevance, requiring the exercise of practical judgment and personal interpretation. We should, he argues, recognize the limits of purely technical approach to healing, as well as the importance of a qualitative approach to medical treatment. Written by one of the leading philosophers of the twentieth century, this brilliant meditation on health, illness, and the art of healing will be of interest to general readers as well as students of philosophy and social thought. |
Other editions - View all
The Enigma of Health: The Art of Healing in a Scientific Age Hans-Georg Gadamer Limited preview - 2018 |
The Enigma of Health: The Art of Healing in a Scientific Age Hans-Georg Gadamer No preview available - 1996 |
The Enigma of Health: The Art of Healing in a Scientific Age Hans Georg Gadamer No preview available - 1996 |
Common terms and phrases
ability able Aeschylus animals anxiety application Aristotle art of healing art of medicine authority aware become behaviour belongs body capacity character clearly concept of intelligence concerned confronted consciousness context cultural death developed dialogue disturbance doctor and patient domain everything example existence experience expression fact freedom fundamental genuine German German language Greek Hegel Heidegger Heidelberg Heraclitus hermeneutics human humankind insight involved know-how knowledge language limits living loss of equilibrium Marburg School Max Scheler means mental illness mneme modern science mystery nature neo-Kantianism Nietzsche object objectifying one's oneself ourselves particular person Phaedrus phenomena philosophy phronesis Plato possess possible practice praxis precisely problem produced psychiatrist psychology question recognize reflection relationship scientific self-consciousness sense simply skills social Socrates someone soul speak specific sphere sustain task techne term theme things thinking thought tion treatment true understanding Viktor von Weizsäcker whole word