Humanism in Medicine: What Does It Mean and Why Is It More Important Than Ever?

Abstract

Humanism has been at the core of the medical profession since its inception, and it has been a foundation throughout modern history for political and community values. But today, countries and leaders are increasingly adopting antihumanistic policies and positions. In this Invited Commentary, the author probes whether humanism in medicine can survive in the current culture. The author defines humanism as any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity predominate. He traces humanism as a philosophical and political movement from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment to the development of liberal democracies in the 20th century. He identifies the humanistic roots of the medical profession and describes efforts to revitalize humanism in medicine in recent decades. He then details antihumanistic behaviors and policies in the current political environment and makes the case that these behaviors and policies threaten humanism in medicine. He calls on the medical profession to renew its commitment to humanism and to oppose antihumanistic behaviors and policies. It will be hard, he concludes, to have humanism in medicine if there is no humanism in the world around us.