A Study of Muslim Scholars’ and Physicians’ Views on the Medicalization of Ethics
Tārīkh-i pizishkī (i.e., Medical History),
Vol. 17 (1404),
6 May 2025
,
Page 1-15
https://doi.org/10.22037/mhj.v17i.46806
Abstract
Background and Aim: The humoral medicine-based approach to ethics and the discussion of the soul's health is one of the most important components present in the ethical theories and works of Iranian thinkers, philosophers and physicians during the early centuries of Islamic civilization. This research aims to examine and analyze scholars’ and physicians’ of Islamic civilization views regarding the medicalization of ethics or the health of the soul.
Methods: The research method in this study is descriptive-analytical, based on gathering information through library research. This study utilizes historical, philosophical and medical sources and texts.
Ethical Considerations: In this research, the ethical aspects of library study, including text authenticity, honesty and trustworthiness, have been observed.
Results: Medicalization of ethics theory, which considers the health and sickness of the soul as analogous to the health and sickness of the body, originates in the Greek tradition. However, within Islamic civilization, it was redefined based on a monotheistic worldview and the concept of innate human nature (fitrah). In this approach, the health of the soul is defined as the sovereignty of reason over the self and the maintenance of balance (i'tidal). Beyond offering practical strategies for preserving health and treating diseases of the soul, this theory introduces indicators such as harmony with innate nature and moderation in behavior to diagnose the soul's health. It also identifies factors like capricious desires (hawa) and carnal temptations as primary threats to the soul's well-being, proposing that the path to healing lies in restoring balance, recognizing pathogenic factors and employing gradual and purposeful methods.
Conclusion: Examining Muslim thinkers’ perspectives reveals that the medicalization of ethics is not merely a metaphor but rather a coherent framework for analyzing the health and sickness of the soul. This approach considers ethics to be a science for recognizing, preventing and treating psychical deviations. Ultimately, by emphasizing concepts such as moderation and the sovereignty of reason, this theory possesses a significant capacity for dialogue with contemporary applied ethics and for offering solutions to spiritual crises.
- Medicalization of Ethics
- Medical Ethics Education
- Medical Ethics
- Spiritual Medicine
- History of Medicine
How to Cite
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