The Hermeneutics of Medicine and the Phenomenon of Health: Steps towards Metaphysics of Medical Conception and Practice in Africa

Abstract

Medicine as practiced the world over is more than a practical phenomenon. Behind the visible praxis are underlying principles and assumptions that reflect the weltanschauung and ontological perceptions and proclivities of the patients and doctors. In Africa, the practice of medicine has lots of metaphysical and religious resonances which have unfortunately led to some misconceptions and misgivings about African Medicine. This paper believes that the acceptability of African medicine into the main stream medical practices is possible if the philosophical basis is unearthed. This, of course will clear the cloud of superstition that often hovers around African medical conception and practices.