The Hippocratic Oath and the Ethics of Medicine

by Steven H. Miles

This engaging book examines what the Hippocratic Oath meant to Greek physicians 2400 years ago and reflects on its relevance to medical ethics today. Drawing on the writings of ancient physicians, Greek playwrights, and modern scholars, each chapter explores one of its passages and concludes
with a modern case discussion. The Oath proposes principles governing the relationship between the physician and society and patients. It rules out the use of poison and a hazardous abortive technique. It defines integrity and discretion in physicians' speech. The ancient Greek medical works
written during the same period as the Oath reveal that Greek physicians understood that they had a duty to avoid medical errors and learn from bad outcomes. These works showed how and why to tell patients about their diseases and dire prognoses in order to develop a partnership for healing and to
build the credibility of the profession. Miles uses these writings to illuminate the meaning of the Oath in its day and in so doing shows how and why it remains a valuable guide to the ethical practice of medicine. This is a book for anyone who loves medicine and is concerned about the ethics and
history of this profession.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medicine

232 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2003

About the author

I am a retired geriatrician and Professor emeritus of medicine and bioethics at the University of Minnesota. My diverse career has included working in refugee camps, public hospitals, and nursing homes.
I spent more than a decade studying and testifying against doctors who torture for their governments. I wrote two non-fiction books and one novel based on those experiences.
Since retiring, I have become a Master Gardener. My latest book is on gardening, The Tao Te Ching, and the Anthropocene.

Reviews

[Edmund Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should clarify that I read this book purely out of personal interest - I am not a medical professional, I have no intention of becoming one, and I was reading this solely to enrich my understanding of things.

I found this book very informative and engaging, a potent mixture of focused, professional writing, and a story-time for laymen to gather around.

I particularly liked how much life the author injects into a document that has apparently become largely graduation ceremonial regalia.

If have a general interest in the ways contemporary world came to be and how we might apply the guidance of the past, this book strikes me as enriching and informative. I enjoyed it.