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Medicine and the humanities--theoretical and methodological issues
Raimo Puustinen1, M Leiman, A M Viljanen
1Hedelmakatu 8 A, 33270 Tampere, Finland. raimo.puustinen@pispala.net
Medical Humanities
|May 12, 2005
Summary
Activity theory offers a new framework for understanding medical practice as a human activity. By analyzing the interplay between healthcare providers and patients, it integrates humanities for a holistic approach to healing.
Area of Science:
- Medical Philosophy
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
Background:
- Biomedical models often overlook the humanistic aspects of healing.
- Philosophical concepts like the 'person' and 'healing' require broader theoretical integration.
- Existing models need expansion to encompass the full scope of medical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose activity theory as a novel framework for analyzing medical practice.
- To integrate humanities into the theoretical and methodological understanding of medicine.
- To explore medicine as a human activity focused on healing.
Main Methods:
- Applying activity theory, rooted in Vygotsky's work on socially mediated functions.
- Analyzing medicine through the lens of 'who is doing what to whom'.
- Utilizing historical, linguistic, anthropological, and semiotic tools for analysis.
Main Results:
- Activity theory necessitates considering both the subject and object of medical actions.
- The analysis inherently integrates theoretical and methodological contributions from the humanities.
- Literature and anthropological studies offer valuable insights into diverse medical practices.
Conclusions:
- Activity theory provides a robust model for understanding medicine as a human activity.
- Integrating humanities is essential for a comprehensive approach to medical practice and healing.
- This framework enriches the understanding of the patient-provider relationship and medical interventions.