Abstract
Technology violates human dignity only to the extent that its use reduces persons to the moral status of objects. The prevalence of technology in health care is an extension of the scientific paradigm, in which the body is reduced to an object void of subjectivity. The empathie paradigm, in contrast, is based upon the moral primacy of subjectivity. Empathic touch-as distinct from instrumental and philanthropic touch-establishes a clinical relation of intersubjectivity, affirming in patients the dignity and worth that morally distinguish persons from objects.
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Additional information
An earlier version of this paper was presented to the 15th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Nursing Service Administrators of the American Hospital Association; San Diego. California, October 27–29, 1982.
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Gadow, S. Touch and technology: Two paradigms of patient care. J Relig Health 23, 63–69 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00999900
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00999900