Phenomenological review of empathy in medicine: A critical review

From a phenomenological perspective, we review the concept of empathy in medicine to identify the theoretical obstacles which have prevented reaching intersubjectivity and proper understanding. Where medicine has failed are: attending to subjectivities of patient and physician, recognizing the dynamic nature of empathy and acknowledging context-dependency of empathy. We also review the problematic practical consequences of this theoretical failure including serving medical paternalism, hindering medical practice, and being used as a tool for counterbalancing inadequate health budget and serving political power. Thus, using and interdisciplinary approach, we argue why the concept of empathy in medicine needs to be reviewed under the light of phenomenology and progress in line with second wave of medical humanities; put philosophy at its core to once again integrate proper understanding of the patient with the concept of medicine .