PAIN and SUFFERING. COMPLEMENTARY READINGS with GADAMER and RICŒUR

Abstract

The article aims to show, accompanied by Gadamer and Ricœur, the existing link between pain and suffering. Following Gadamer, it is affirmed that pain dislocates the whole and brings isolation. Likewise, pain urges human being to take refuge in his finite character and to take care of himself by enhancing his vital forces. On the other hand, in the light of Ricœur, it will be argued that suffering is a diminution of capacities. However, this decrease is not an obstacle to affirm that the subject is called to endure despite… Finally, it is considered that pain and suffering summon us to succinctly explore the scope of caring for the other. In short, it is affirmed that Gadamer and Ricœur share the conception according to which caring consists of restoring or enhancing the capacities of the sufferer.