The Enigma of Health

This work discusses the transformations in human self-understanding wrought by the scientific world-view, focusing in particular on modern medicine. It explores the ethical and humanist issues raised by the technological successes of modern clinical practice, and relates them to "praxis".

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This work discusses the transformations in human self-understanding wrought by the scientific world-view, focusing in particular on the unparalleled achievements of modern medicine. It 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 analyses, Hans-Georg 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 a purely technical approach to healing, as well as the importance of a qualitative approach to medical treatment. This meditation on health, illness and the art of healing should be of interest to general readers, as well as students of philosophy and social thought.