Single Idea 7453

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / f. The Mean]

Full Idea

Galen ran medicine on the principle of the mean; afflictions must be treated by contraries; hot diseases deserve cold medicine and moist illnesses want drying agents. (Paracelsus rebelled, treating through similarity).

Gist of Idea

Galen's medicine followed the mean; each illness was balanced by opposite treatment

Source

report of Galen (On Medical Experience [c.169]) by Ian Hacking - The Emergence of Probability Ch.5

Book Reference

Hacking,Ian: 'The Emergence of Probability' [CUP 1975], p.42


A Reaction

This must be inherited from Aristotle, with the aim of virtue for the body, as Aristotle wanted virtue for the psuché. In some areas Galen is probably right, that natural balance is the aim, as in bodily temperature control.