The Relevance of Existential Philosophy in Medicine

Abstract

Health and the practice of medicine have continued to evolve over the past centuries; however, it should be emphasized that it is existential perspectives that maintain the importance of a body-soul connection and the wider perspective in achieving a state of wellness. A state of wellness is different from modern conceptualizations of health and it has been opined that modern medical methodology focuses on revenues and actions of physicians in marketing medical technologies that do not necessarily produce positive outcomes. Although medical technologies have allowed people to extend their lives as a perceived benefit, this technological type of intervention has many times led to lack of responsiveness to the natural progression of holistic physiological well-being. Medical practice should be viewed through a wider lens as a method of addressing a state of wellness and balance between body and soul, in order to achieve the desires and needs of both doctors and patients.