Myth to Medicine: What Philoctetes Teaches Us About Empathetic Care 公开

Abstract

Introduction

Sophocles’s Philoctetes presents a compelling narrative that mirrors contemporary challenges in medicine. The play’s namesake Philoctetes suffers from a wound to his foot but also emotional isolation reflecting the neglect faced by many modern patients particularly those with chronic illness or terminal conditions. This thesis examines the intersection between ancient Greek thought and the ethical dilemmas faced by caregivers through an examination of Sophocles’s Philoctetes.

Methods

This study employs a literary analysis of Philoctetes and focuses on key interactions between Philoctetes, Neoptolemus and Odysseus. A historical framework of ancient Greek medical traditions is used including Hippocratic thought and the role of the Ascelepiadae. Lastly, modern parallels are drawn through an interdisciplinary review of bioethical literature and qualitative research on physician experience.

Results

Philoctetes’s abandonment serves as a case study for suffering and medical isolation. Neoptolemus’s moral transformation highlights the ethical conflict between duty to the individual or to the institution, a challenge faced by many healthcare workers. Additionally, Heracles’s divine intervention underscores the ancient belief in fate contrasting with notions of patient autonomy.

Conclusion

The study concludes that Sophocles’s Philoctetes offers timeless insight into the ethical perspective of caregiving. The thesis examines this piece of ancient literature through the lens of medical humanities to underscore the need for a greater integration of empathy driven and dynamic medical education. It addresses important topics of physician burnout and clinical efficiency be to offer insight into humanistic values in medicine.

Table of Contents

Introduction: p. 8

Chapter 1: p. 13

Chapter 2: p. 25

Chapter 3: p. 34

Chapter 4: p. 48

Appendix: p. 53

Works Cited: p. 54

About this Honors Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Emory College
Department	Classics
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Classical Studies Ethics
关键词	Greek tragedy ancient medicine healthcare Sophocles
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dr. Louise Pratt, Emory University
Committee Members	Dr. Henry Bayerle, Emory University Dr. Lucas Hernandez, Emory University

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