The relevance of Xenophon’s Anabasis and Plato’s Meno to nursing

The current situation in which the humanities are disparaged affects all university disciplines, including nursing, in whose historical evolution the humanities have always been present in one form or another. Looking beyond this disrepute, this study proposes that nursing renew its attention to classical philosophy. Specifically, it invites a close reading of Xenophon's Anabasis and Plato's Meno, to get three related goals: to show how the use of ancient texts are very valuable tools for the philosophical initiation of nursing students and can help them reflect on their choice of nursing as a practical activity; to reflect on the problem of virtue and the nature of the good life; and to show how the interaction with ancient texts allows students to reflect on questions and issues of life, theirs and others, that are not open to investigation through a purely scientific method. Consequently, both Anabasis and Meno readings strengthen the intellectual relationship between philosophy and nursing, enabling the latter to delve deeper into the key questions of its own thought as a discipline.     

Modern Medicine: Ideas and Advances

Considering the limitations of medical science and the risks associated with medical treatments, we need to re-examine the connotation of medical science from the perspective of philosophy. Medical science is the natural expression of human kindness and human nature of rescuing the dying and healing the wounded. It is a combination of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. From the perspectives of medical philosophy and humanistic care, this article expounds the concepts and ideas of evidence-based, translational, and precision medicine in modern medicine and emphasizes the importance of avoiding new technical bureaucracy, paying attention to achieving a holistic view and systematic understanding, and avoiding biases in development because of the loss of the humanistic spirit in modern medical practice.     

Manipulation and free will in shared decision making

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on patient involvement in treatment planning in the health care system. To reduce the risk of the clinician moving towards paternalism, various methods have been introduced—shared decision making, among others. The goal of shared decision making is for the clinician and patient to share available evidence on the best treatment and to raise awareness on the needs and preferences of the patient as to make a genuinely informed choice. However, in the present article, we discuss to which degree paternalism can be avoided in light of the clinician's role as an authority with certain knowledge and expertise. Through the philosophical theory of reasons‐responsiveness, we discuss to which extend free will and control applies to the patient. Through theoretical analysis, we come to suggest that the clinician has a role as an ally rather than manipulator.     

Through pragmatic eyes: philosophy and the re-sourcing of family nursing

Abstract   This paper explores the integral relationship between philosophy and nursing practice. The discussion begins by suggesting that philosophy is more than a set of abstract ideas or an intellectual activity; that it is a way of living and being in practice. The author contends that philosophical inquiry can improve the adequacy and relevance of family and nursing theories by promoting the examination and expansion of those theories in light of the experiences and intuitions of nurses. Offering a personal example the author exemplifies how philosophical activity can directly and experientially enhance everyday nursing practice.     

Project 2000: perceptions of the philosophy and practice of nursing: shifting perceptions—a new practitioner?

This is the first of two papers which address aspects of the findings of a large scale study commissioned by the English National Board which set out to examine the impact of Project 2000 on perceptions of the philosophy and practice of nursing. The findings presented here suggest that there have been fundamental shifts in perceptions of the nature and discipline of nursing. Students and diplomates of the course perceive themselves as knowledgeable doers, with their practice well grounded in theory and research. They value the interpersonal skills teaching and place the patient firmly at the centre of care delivery, viewing the patient holistically and being prepared to be fierce patient advocates where necessary. It is difficult to determine the extent to which these shifts can be attributed to the Project 2000 course, although the Project 2000 approach to education appears to be an important factor.     

浅谈中国传统文化与当代心理治疗

当代中国的心理治疗有待“本土化”。传统文化中的中华民族心理特征具有务实 ,重视人与自然、社会和谐关系的特点 ,不彰显个性而有所节制。心理治疗在当代应吸取传统文化里的人生哲学、超越而丰富的精神世界及中医养生术所蕴含的有益元素     

子午流注与中国古代哲学

子午流注理论体系广泛引用先秦、两汉以降的阴阳五行学说 ,在宋、明理学的背景下 ,采用了象数派《易》学的研究成果。其纳甲法几乎纯采象数派易学之说 ,融干支、五行、阴阳之说于一炉 ,结合针灸临床实践 ,创造性地建立起古代时间治疗学体系。该体系是古代医家在敏锐观察、深入思考的基础上 ,成功引入哲学思维框架立说 ,形成的一个医学与哲学巧妙嫁接的严密系统。这一成就在那个时代有相当的先进性 ,出现并流行于那个时代也是必然的。     

试论医哲不分对中医学发展的影响

古代哲学对各种传统学科理论的形成都曾有过巨大的影响。在中医学理论中，古代哲学不仅是方法论和自然观，而且有些哲学概念直接代替和弥补了实际医学知识的不足。医哲不分是造成中医理论中概念模糊的根源，其消极作用在于有碍于深入探讨事物的内在矛盾和揭示事物的内在本质，从而限制了对具体事物清晰、准确、实在的把握。因此，在中医现代化的进程中，应当使医哲分离，促进中医理论的发展与完善。