Phenomenology of Illness

Havi Carel uses phenomenology to explore how illness modifies the ill person's body, values, and world. Carel argues that illness has received little philosophical attention. Phenomenology of Illness develops a phenomenological framework for illness and a systematic understanding of illness as a philosophical tool.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The experience of illness is a universal and profound aspect of human existence, akin to death in its significance. However, unlike death, the experience of illness has received relatively limited philosophical attention. This may be due to the perception that illness is primarily a physiological process, falling within the realm of medical science and thus outside the purview of philosophy. In his book "Phenomenology of Illness," Havi Carel challenges this notion and argues that the experience of illness has been unjustly overlooked by philosophers.

Phenomenology of Illness offers a distinctive philosophical perspective on illness. Employing the phenomenological method, a first-person investigation approach, Carel delves into how illness impacts the physical body, values, and world of the ill person. The primary aim of Phenomenology of Illness is twofold: to contribute to the understanding of illness through the lens of philosophy and to demonstrate the significance of illness for philosophical inquiry. Contrary to the philosophical inclination to resist thinking about illness, Carel proposes that illness can be viewed as a philosophical tool. Through its pathologizing effect, illness disrupts the ill person's accustomed routines and habits, revealing aspects of human existence that often go unnoticed.

Phenomenology of Illness develops a comprehensive phenomenological framework for illness and provides a systematic understanding of illness as a philosophical tool. By exploring the complexities of the experience of illness, Carel invites philosophers to engage with this fundamental aspect of human existence and to explore its philosophical implications. This book offers valuable insights into the nature of illness, its impact on individuals and society, and the potential for philosophical inquiry to enhance our understanding of this profound and universal phenomenon.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 211 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198822660