Marcelian charm in nursing practice: the unity of agape and eros as the foundation of an ethic of care

Abstract

In the nursing literature, a number of qualities are associated with loving care. Reference is made to, among other things, humility, attentiveness, responsibility and duty, compassion, and tenderness. The author attempts to show that charm, in the Marcelian sense, also plays a central role. It is argued that the moral foundation of charm is a unity of agape and eros. An impartial giving of the self for others is clearly of fundamental importance in an ethic of care. Including charm in the discussion points to the fact that eros also plays a crucial role. Eros produces a passion for people and for life. It is a physical and spiritual energy that animates a person in all facets of her life, including her caring work.

The substance of love when encountering suffering: an interpretative research synthesis with an abductive approach

“…To be healed, human beings need help to rediscover the love deeply rooted in themselves (31). This requires belief in love as a healing power from the caregivers’ perspective (33, 40). Consequently, both the sufferer and caregiver can move together towards health (42).…”

“…The caregiver steps out of her own world and into the suffering human being’s world (39) and offers herself, respecting the will and choices of the suffering human (40). Neighbourly love for a fellow human being makes one sensitive, curious and wondering, and from these experiences, a wish arises to know the other and try to understand what his/her suffering means (33, 45). Humans who feel and show love radiate joy (33).…”

“…Neighbourly love for a fellow human being makes one sensitive, curious and wondering, and from these experiences, a wish arises to know the other and try to understand what his/her suffering means (33, 45). Humans who feel and show love radiate joy (33). Love brings a movement of development, renewal and confirmation, but also of pain and frightening challenges (43).…”

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…a particular expression of agape, namely, the suppressing of one’s own needs and desires in order to attend fully to the other (33: 268–269). Eros is the source of vitality, liveliness and passion.

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“…The expression of love in the form of actions is necessary to experience love as truth (42). Love is shown in engagement and spontaneity (33, 36, 39, 40), but is also a duty of acting in a caring manner (33, 36, 39). Love cannot be grasped or forced (33), it appears quietly and invisibly (35), but in the ethical act, it appears in behaviour and attitude (31, 34, 45).…”