Review of The Virtuous Physician
Posted: 04 Jul 2024, 10:08
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Virtuous Physician" by Elliott B. Martin, Jr..]
The Virtuous Physician: The Work A Brief Medical History of Moral Inquiry from Hippocrates to COVID-19* by Elliott B. Martin, Jr. provides a written compilation of past and present issues affecting medical practice. The book under discussion presents the reproduction of an actual work that was recovered in a book styled as a medical one but written as a pseudo-Hippocratic text (Precepts), in which the notion of the ‘virtuous physician’ has been depicted.
It must be pointed out that, while the translation provided by Martin is highly detailed and noteworthy, it is more importantly complemented by his remarks. This is the key material of the book; this translation, with its commentary, shows the development of medical ethics from the ancient Greeks up to the present. Another value his discussion brings to the existing historical narrative is his discussion of the crossover from western culture to eastern culture.
The book’s key asset is its robust work on research and the scholarly standpoint that it embraces. Again, this is a precise examination of the text, which can be credited to Martin’s education as a linguist and philologist. On the other hand, his use of technical linguistic terms may prove a bit demanding to an audience that is not conversant with the field.
As to the translation, the essays following it are written in the same academic style. However, one chapter focuses on the history of the word ‘‘physician,’’ and “An Archaeology of Disease” is a reflection on Thucydides’ description of the plague. The final essay, “Crisis: The Article “The Existential Fallout of COVID-19,” gives a reflection on the current state of affairs.
Even though it is a rather complex book, the edition is perfect. No typographical or grammatical mistakes were made, which adds to the publication’s reliability and coherence.
Still, the work is written in a very academic manner, and it is highly laden with technical and lay terminologies, which might reduce its readability by the general public. Some parts of the book might be easier to understand if they are uncomplexed, but this would not undermine the book as a scholarly work.
In conclusion, it can be said that *The Virtuous Physician* is a valuable addition to the literature on medical ethics and the history of medicine. The author has given an impressive account of theories and their real-life application; I would, therefore, give this book 4 out of 5 stars. The vast knowledge is evident across this book; nevertheless, the numerous levels of abstraction and the use of scholar language make it slightly less comprehensible.
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The Virtuous Physician
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Virtuous Physician: The Work A Brief Medical History of Moral Inquiry from Hippocrates to COVID-19* by Elliott B. Martin, Jr. provides a written compilation of past and present issues affecting medical practice. The book under discussion presents the reproduction of an actual work that was recovered in a book styled as a medical one but written as a pseudo-Hippocratic text (Precepts), in which the notion of the ‘virtuous physician’ has been depicted.
It must be pointed out that, while the translation provided by Martin is highly detailed and noteworthy, it is more importantly complemented by his remarks. This is the key material of the book; this translation, with its commentary, shows the development of medical ethics from the ancient Greeks up to the present. Another value his discussion brings to the existing historical narrative is his discussion of the crossover from western culture to eastern culture.
The book’s key asset is its robust work on research and the scholarly standpoint that it embraces. Again, this is a precise examination of the text, which can be credited to Martin’s education as a linguist and philologist. On the other hand, his use of technical linguistic terms may prove a bit demanding to an audience that is not conversant with the field.
As to the translation, the essays following it are written in the same academic style. However, one chapter focuses on the history of the word ‘‘physician,’’ and “An Archaeology of Disease” is a reflection on Thucydides’ description of the plague. The final essay, “Crisis: The Article “The Existential Fallout of COVID-19,” gives a reflection on the current state of affairs.
Even though it is a rather complex book, the edition is perfect. No typographical or grammatical mistakes were made, which adds to the publication’s reliability and coherence.
Still, the work is written in a very academic manner, and it is highly laden with technical and lay terminologies, which might reduce its readability by the general public. Some parts of the book might be easier to understand if they are uncomplexed, but this would not undermine the book as a scholarly work.
In conclusion, it can be said that *The Virtuous Physician* is a valuable addition to the literature on medical ethics and the history of medicine. The author has given an impressive account of theories and their real-life application; I would, therefore, give this book 4 out of 5 stars. The vast knowledge is evident across this book; nevertheless, the numerous levels of abstraction and the use of scholar language make it slightly less comprehensible.
******
The Virtuous Physician
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The review you wrote made me feel that the book is rich in information. The development of medical ethics from ancient Greek times to the modern era shows a significant shift from Hippocratic principles, such as "do no harm," to advanced standards that encompass complex ethical issues in modern medicine. While ancient ethics focused on the physician's personal virtue, modern ethics emphasize patients' rights, social justice, and the challenges arising from technological and scientific advancements. This evolution reflects a deeper understanding and concern for the multiple dimensions of medical practice and its impacts on individuals and society. 