Handbook of phenomenology and medicine

Abstract

As the fields of philosophy of medicine and bioethics have developed in theUnited States, the philosophical perspective of phenomenology has been largelyignored. Yet, the central conviction that informs this volume is thatphenomenology provides extraordinary insights into many of the issues that aredirectly addressed within the world of medicine. Such issues include: thenature of medicine itself; the distinction between immediate experience andscientific conceptualization; the nature of the body -- and the implicationsof embodiment in the realm of clinical practice; the meaning of health,illness and disease; the problem of intersubjectivity -- particularly withrespect to achieving successful communication with another; the complexity ofdecision-making in the clinical context (and in the realm of medical ethics);the possibility of empathic understanding; the theory and method of clinicalpractice; and the essential characteristics of the therapeutic relationship --i.e. the relationship between the sick person and the one who professes tohelp. Some of the authors who have contributed to this volume arephilosophers, some are engaged in other academic disciplines, and several arepracticing healthcare professionals. Their essays demonstrate thatphenomenology can be an invaluable practical tool, not only for those who areinterested in the philosophy of medicine, but for all healthcare professionalswho are actively engaged in the care of the sick.