The Hippocratic Oath

In this paper, I plan to argue the ideas by Edward Conard, in his argument that we don’t need more humanities major in our academic system. In specific, this paper will explore the writer’s claims, the gaps in his arguments and counter-arguments in this topic. My argument is important because I will challenge Conard’s article with the self-fashioning’s article by Keohane.

Humanities are required for the development of an individual’s creativity and expression, without these skills our society would be monotonous and bland. Our nation was built on the ideals of freedom and democracy, and although math and science help us to progress economically and technologically, they don’t help individuals to express themselves to be effectively represented by our government.

In an article entitled “The Humanist Vocation”, which appeared in the New York Times, David Brooks, a well known columnist, and an op-ed editor for the New York Times, claims that the decline in numbers of humanities graduates is due to the humanists’ loss of interest and faith in their mission, supporting his claims with lines from a note written by one of the history teachers of the University of Chicago back when he himself was a freshman. Brooks is definitely right when he tries to link this decrease in humanities majors, however, he does not fully succeed in tackling the real issue behind the drastic change.

In this article What Does It Mean to Be Educated?, journalist Earl Shorris explains that the middle class and those who live in poverty have been cheated of one of the most valuable lessons, the humanities. He elaborates on his thesis when he says “Rich people learn the humanities; you didn’t. The humanities are a foundation for getting along in the world, for thinking, for learning to reflect on the world instead of just reacting to whatever

The passage On the Sacred Disease, is an examination into the alleged 'sacred disease' of epilepsy. Although many of the anatomic and bodily propositions were incorrect, Hippocrates concepts were closer to the diagnostics and teachings of today than those of metaphysical reasoning. For these reasons, On the Sacred Disease provided a structural understanding of diseases in our bodies today.

The Renaissance was the entrance to a change in the overall worldview of man. Humanistic thought began to grow more and more prevalent, and showed itself through art, architecture, and manuscripts. Humanists believe that man is autonomous, that humans are powerful enough to survive, thrive, and conquer without any spiritual help. It is a very self-centered way of thinking, destined to fail. One example of an artist who portrayed this through his work, was Michelangelo. His sculptures “men tearing themselves out of rock” give a bold humanistic statement. Man, as man, with no help is tearing himself out of rock. Man will free himself. Man is great. Leonardo da Vinci, the brilliant chemist, mathematician, musician, architect, anatomist, botanist, mechanical engineer, and artist, understood the end to which humanistic thought would lead.

Throughout the history of medicine there has always been a need for shared commitment to ideals of moral, ethical and humane practice. The Hippocratic Oath, created by a compilation of works largely based on Hippocrates, has always stood as guidelines for the conduct of physicians. The Classical oath has and continues to serve well in preserving the sanctity of the medical profession while developing a basis for the respectful treatment of patients. However, this out-dated oath is not equipped to handle the modern trials and tribulations faced by physicians and health care in general. Many of its principles are simply unrealistic and inapplicable in today’s society. For this reason a revised version of the oath was written. As I will

Humanities are a vital part of learning, although real life interactions and situations should also be tied into these courses of study. Humanities are defined by Miller as: “…courses in disciplines such as English, philosophy, and art history” (Miller 444). The humanities are used as basic knowledge but not as something to be learned in a trade. Humanities help provide an appreciation for finer things in life like art and literature. When students are being taught the humanities it should also be apparent in the classroom how these lessons can be applied after the class is over.

The author Kristof believes the humanities enrich humans and finances as it develops valuable interpersonal and communicative skills. Interpersonal and communicative skills of workers in the current workforce are valuable and create diverse workers who can also engage in technical skills. As stated by the author everyone’s ethics are being challenged and questioned through social networks, stories, and new scientific findings. The humanities shape our decision-making skills ethically by weighing the benefits and effects that contribute to scientific discoveries. Kristof states that the humanities further our understanding of diverse cultures and people’s feelings through literature. With a better understanding of others, this leads to a better environment of understanding Earth and the population as stated by the essay.

In the article “The Hippocratic Oath of the Manger: Good or Bad Idea? ” Sean Jasso suggests that a manager is not necessary requires a professional license to practice management neither takes oaths. However, he believes that it is normal for medical doctors, lawyers, and CPAs to take the oath. The idea about whether the Hippocratic oath of manager is good or bad still stay controversial because some believe that having a professional license to practice management will minimize the failure in business. On the other side, some believes that as long as manager produce effective result within the rule of law then oath is irrelevant or not helpful. For example, Harvard Business School Scholars takes the “MBA Oath”, which was inspired by the professor Rakesh Khurana and Nitin Nohria. The example of Harvard School of Business shows readers that the business crisis could be prevent or improve by turning management to a profession like law and medicine because these professions have to take oath: not to do harm to the society and people. Although Rakesh Khurana and Nitin Nohria’s ideas of “MBA Oath” is noble, Jasso believes that it is not realistic in our society.

Humanities study human beings and their cultural products. Classical readings such as, “I and Thou” by Martin Buber; “Antigone” by Sophocles and “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, are a stepping stone in this direction. Such texts broadens your understanding of the world and why people act and behave the way they do. For instance “Frankenstein” is thought provoking and makes you ponder what does being a human means and whether the creature Victor Frankenstein made was a human and had human nature, given the striking similarity between how we humans act and the way the creature acts in the novel. As Creature’s mind grows, he gains knowledge and develops the ability to reason and distinguish what is good and what is bad for him. One could argue that how would you explain the enraged monstrous behavior of the Creature, that’s not something you expect from a human but an animal or a monster? It’s not something you relate to human nature. But we should note that many times humans have also acted in ways similar to the monster, if that’s what you call him. At times our anger surpasses reason, and that leads to our undoing. Humans always seek to do the good even if an action is obviously a horrible evil to anyone else, the person who commits the act is seeking to attain some good that they perceive in it. Thus the irrational enraged behavior of the Creature is something of human in nature because it’s quite seeming that the he was a victim of abuse by his creator and society who ultimately drive him to his vindictive state. His actions were based on immense solitude, suffering, hatred, abandonment and denial of companionship. That all compelled him to seek revenge against his creator. Such powerful writings provide an astute understanding into ethical, moral, political, and ideological forces. A successful

Throughout this course, we have been asked "What is humanities"? Humanities is the study of human beings by culture, the arts including theater, dance, and music. Within the humanities there are different eras that are represented such as the information age. The Information Age is a time period in our history where the traditional industry shifted to the Industrial Revolution. The Information Age is a great example of how progressively advanced a country can be in with-in a time period. This advancement in the Information Age has a discrepancy; such as the commencement of technology and the definition of digital, new methods of interaction between different people and devices. The physical component of the Information Age is a very important

The Hippocratic Oath is still practiced and honored by doctors today. The idea that this principle has lasted so long, withstanding the modification and trials of this past century’s medical and technological advancements, shows its value and command over modern and ancient practical medical ethics. The Oath states, “The physician will not provide lethal drugs to patients requesting them or give an abortifacient to a woman” (Devettere 70). The ancient guiding principle of health care- do no harm- is one principle that remains instilled today.

The Hippocratic Oath and Engineering code of ethics have both been regarded as the standard for medical and engineering professionals to conduct themselves morally, and professionally to assure that the decisions and activities made are guided by certain principles and values. (Hendon and French, 2016) Both the Hippocratic Oath and Engineering code of ethics emphasize the importance of the duties and responsibilities of professionals in regards to the safety and health of humans, providing services within areas of expertise, being truthful, hold confidential information, and being accountable for professional services provided.

“Humanists studied the works known today as the humanities, including history, philosophy, grammar, literature, and poetry.” (Witcombe) Most scholars in Europe had been interested in mathematics, natural science, and philosophy from the Greeks before the renaissance. But in this period, the start of humanism led to an interest in literature, history, and the works of writers from the ancient Greek traditions.