Philosophy and Healing: Restoring an Ancient Alliance

Abstract

We normally do not consider the close proximity of philosophy and medicine. Yet many early philosophers were physicians and drew close parallels between philosophy and healing. This paper will investigate the value of this analogy, specifically with regard to the insights of science in contrast to the appreciation of human design. It will also consider the importance of memory. To re-member implies an intelligent and willed striving for courage and hope in the face of the supreme mystery, namely, death. It leads to the realization that the philosopher’s meditation upon death reflects upon the value of life.