The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Medicine

by Eric J. Cassell

Book Overview

The Nature of Suffering underscores the change that is taking place in medicine from a basic concern with disease to a greater focus on the sick person. Cassell centers his discussion on the problem of suffering because, he says, its recognition and relief are a test of the adequacy of any system of medicine. He describes what suffering is and its relationship to the sick person: bodies do not suffer, people do. An exclusive concern with scientific...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195052226
• ISBN13: 9780195052220
• Release Date: October 1991
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

A classic gets better

The first edition is already a classic in its exploration of the nature of suffering. "Bodies do not suffer, only persons suffer." is a central concept. The text examines the doctor patient relationship, what diseases are, how understandings of disease have changed over time, how the unique and particular nature of the sick person influences all diseases and how they are cared for. How we know who a person is. Why medicine is changing its focus from the disease to the sick or well person. The new edition has three new chapters that focus on the mind-body problem, social contribution to sickness and dying, and how pain and other symptoms are inevitably personalized. And how suffering arises from the sickness and its personalization. It is a well-written,rich and exciting book.

Very helpful for sufferers of chronic illness.

The author identifies the effects of chronic and acute illness on each integral part of the sufferer, and describes personal attributes/approaches of patients that enhance their ability to live with their condition. This book is an inspiring insight into strategies for finding new meaning in life after loss of mobility and during years of living with chronic pain. I refer to it each time my condition has worsened my outlook; it never fails to help me find new strength.I would recommend it to doctors, patients, and counsellors.