Illness and Disease, a new Perspective

In this thesis, illness and its different aspects will be described, following Carel’s book Phenomenology of Illness, which offers a detailed account on the influence illness can have on the patient’s life. Illness can change the patient’s thoughts concerning his or her body, and can give rise to doubt and anxiety. Providing an outline of Phenomenology of Illness, I will elaborate on illness and disease, and the perspectives that can be taken towards illness. Illness and disease form a continuum, and are present at the same time. The physician must not only focus on treating diseases, but also on treating the patient’s illness.