Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)
Psychological symptoms as key indicators in homeopathic remedy selection: A philosophical interpretation
Jonas Krämer, Sophie Laurent and Miguel A Fernández-López
Homeopathy places significant emphasis on the totality of symptoms, with psychological manifestations traditionally considered central to the process of remedy selection. Unlike reductionist biomedical models, classical homeopathic philosophy views mental and emotional symptoms as reflections of the individual’s inner dynamism and susceptibility. This conceptual review explores the philosophical foundations underlying the prioritization of psychological symptoms in homeopathic case analysis, without advancing disease-specific therapeutic claims. Drawing upon classical texts, interpretative commentaries, and selected pre-2023 scholarly discussions, the article examines how mental symptoms are understood as expressions of altered vital force, individuality, and constitutional predisposition. Particular attention is given to the epistemological distinction between subjective experience and objective pathology, and how this distinction informs remedy differentiation. The review further analyzes the role of psychological symptoms in case hierarchy, evaluation of symptom peculiarity, and long-term case management from a philosophical standpoint. Rather than assessing clinical efficacy, the paper emphasizes conceptual coherence, historical continuity, and internal logic within homeopathic thought. Ethical considerations related to interpretation, observer bias, and practitioner responsibility are also discussed. By situating psychological symptoms within a broader philosophical framework, the article aims to clarify their interpretive value in individualized prescribing. The discussion seeks to support reflective clinical reasoning, promote disciplined case documentation, and encourage responsible engagement with patient narratives. This philosophical interpretation contributes to ongoing discourse on the identity of homeopathy as a person-centered system, while remaining consistent with contemporary expectations of conceptual transparency and methodological restraint. It also contextualizes contemporary clinical reflections within historical doctrine, highlighting continuity between foundational principles and modern interpretive practice. Through this approach, the paper underscores the enduring relevance of psychological symptomatology in shaping individualized understanding without extending beyond philosophical analysis. This perspective supports thoughtful engagement with patient narratives while maintaining conceptual boundaries appropriate to scholarly discourse and reflective professional education in homeopathic philosophy traditions globally.
Pages: 05-08 | 47 Views 12 Downloads
