The Need for Multidisciplinary Research within the History and Theory of Homeopathy

Abstract

The controversial issue of homeopathy's scientificity will, in all probability, not be settled by means of clinical trials alone, as long as uncertainty or ignorance about methodological, philosophical, and socio-economical essentials prevail on both sides of the argument. Rather than uncritically adopt the standards of the currently predominant paradigm, homeopathy should not forget its roots, peculiarities, and self-conception. Contrary to conventional medicine, it is based on a teleological image of humanity, a holistic and sustainable approach towards curing sickness, and an up-to-date concept of medical theory in terms of healing arts. However, under today's frameworked conditions of industrialisation, commercialisation and commodification, the strengths of homeopathy tend to be disregarded or even attacked, and a special kind of reductionist and materialist rationality, compatible with expanding markets and profits, is preferably facilitated. To reveal and demonstrate these developments and relationships on a scientific level, there is a need for multidisciplinary research on the part of the humanities, such as history and theory of medicine, history and theory of science, history of economics, sociology of scientific knowledge, and philosophy.

Similia Similibus Curentur: Theory, History, and Status of the Constitutive Principle of Homeopathy

“…Nevertheless, what seems to be constant and true across the centuries and millennia since Hippocrates is the classical insight into the nature of medicine as a practical science sui generis or healing art, whose principles and theories may only be instrumental in respect to the primacy of its beneficent goal, to be applied or modified according to the need of the individual case and situation. 89 Therefore, homeopaths (as well as their critics) may be well advised to refrain from dogmatism and sophism, and rather adopt a critical distance towards, and a pragmatic dealing with, principles and theories. Eventually, Hahnemann's initial proposal of a new hermeneutic principle would seem to come closer to a solid, valid and durable conception than his later attempt at connecting to a specific scientific discourse.…”

“…Nevertheless, what seems to be constant and true across the centuries and millennia since Hippocrates is the classical insight into the nature of medicine as a practical science sui generis or healing art, whose principles and theories may only be instrumental in respect to the primacy of its beneficent goal, to be applied or modified according to the need of the individual case and situation. 89 …”

Research Challenges in Homoeopathy

“…Encourage interdisciplinary interactions and research 20 —extend support by funding and providing laboratory and equipment to researchers exploring biological responses to homoeopathic potencies/ultra-high dilutions…”

Homeopathy Meets the Challenge

“…We complete this issue of the journal with a thought-provoking Debate article, which has its basis in history, advocating the need for a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the appreciation of homeopathy through its rich past. 12…”