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Medicotheology and Biotheology

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The Philosophy and Practice of Medicine and Bioethics

Part of the book series: International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine ((LIME,volume 47))

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Abstract

Religion is the major guiding belief system of nearly every culture and almost defines culture itself. Medicine is largely influenced by such beliefs. If one follows one’s religion, one is thought to be moral, if not, not. It may be noted that religion is morals, not ethics. Ethics in medicine would refer to a rational, holistic consequentialism. On this view, a religious or non-religious, supernaturalistic belief, which does not consider consequences and defeats naturalistic goals and wants, such as e.g. medical research, is unethical. It may support a religion, but does not qualify as an ethical system. This is a book on the philosophy of medicine, which therefore must involve some philosophy of religion. As such, it is a critical examination of some of the concepts and methods in each area e.g. a critique of the sanctity-of-life doctrine as well as a critique of prayer as medical treatment.

I will not permit considerations of religion…to intervene between my duty and my patient. [1]

One considerable advantage that arises from philosophy consists in the sovereign antidote which it affords to superstition and false religion. [2]

† Deceased

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Paracelsus Medical University SALK, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria

    Dr. Barbara Maier

  2. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, 53190, Whitewater, Wisconsin, USA

    Prof. Warren A. Shibles†

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Maier, B., Shibles†, W.A. (2011). Medicotheology and Biotheology. In: The Philosophy and Practice of Medicine and Bioethics. International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine, vol 47. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8867-3_6

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