Pythagoras, a Greek Philosopher from the Fifth Century BC introduced us to
sophistry, a term which denotes a fallacious method of reasoning; today we
call it spin-doctoring.

Hippocrates, a Greek Physician from the Fifth Century BC, considered the
‘Father of Medicine,’ created the ‘Hippocratic Oath.’

How those two aspects intersect here and now are seen in modern medicine.
In the name of political economy, the medical paradigm has been turned over
to insurance companies. They gave us HMO’s (Health Maintenance
Organizations) and an ailment lists which are treatable under this
syllogism.

Reportedly there are economic disincentives for following the Hippocratic
Oath too well.

So, you see, history and philosophy is a river through time.

4/15/04