The Development of Philosophical Practice in a Hospital Context

Abstract

This article examines what comes to pass when philosophical practitioners start working in the institutional environment of a hospital, with its unique norms and culture through the experience of three philosophical practitioners in Norway. It finds that that a notable characteristic of these practitioners is their effort to avoid taking on the traditional helper role, which they perceive that other hospital professions are representing. Their ideal is to approach “life here and now” with openness, acceptance, curiosity, and wondering, while simultaneously supporting a serious, playful creativity in the search for new perspectives when relevant. For the patients, this offers a space where they can rediscover themselves as whole individuals, rather than rather only beings in need of help. The article concludes that philosophical practitioners have the potential to play a significant role within hospitals.