What is an oath? Varieties and meaning

What is an oath? This is a solemn official promise or oath of allegiance. In the modern world, the oath is often pronounced when you enter a responsible position. It can also be military or medical (more commonly known as the Hippocratic Oath). It is adopted by witnesses in a solemn and strictly official setting. What does the oath mean? This is the assurance of others in the veracity of what was said and that these words will be fulfilled. As mentioned at the beginning, vows or oaths can differ significantly from each other.

Oath for doctors - the oath of Hippocrates

Almost half a century ago, a well-known Greek physician, also called the father of medicine, wrote a well-known oath to everyone. It was a kind of noble ethical code, which doctors recognize to this day. Many adhere to this interesting, but, alas, erroneous opinion. To what extent is this information reliable? The facts show that Hippocrates was not at all the author of the well-known oath, which also bears his name. There is also reason to believe that the famous oath is not entirely consistent with its original version.

Who did write it and what does it matter today?

Why are there reasons to doubt that Hippocrates wrote the oath? The oath traditionally began with an appeal to various deities, and he, as is known, became the first who brought medicine to the scientific level, completely separating it from religion and rituals. His contemporaries knew that he preferred to look for a problem in physiological causes, rather than in the supernatural. One can not overlook the fact that certain actions forbidden by the Hippocratic oath did not at all contradict the medical standards of that time. For example, at that time abortion and suicide were not at all condemned by law and even by religion, but surgical intervention was forbidden. And as you know, the description of many surgical techniques is included in the collection of certain medical works, which are often attributed to Hippocrates. From this it is possible to draw quite an interesting logical conclusion: the oath, or oath, most likely was not written by Hippocrates.

Most of the thoughts and the philosophy that takes place in this document are more in line with the Pythagorean ideas that preach the sanctity of life and violently interfere with surgical intervention. Unfortunately, the original author of this oath, known all over the world, remained unknown. All this time, namely twenty-five centuries, the oath had a huge impact on people's lives and served as a guiding principle in medicine. To date, this oath is taken in many medical schools. This often happens at the release and at the presentation of a doctor's diploma.

Military oath

It is generally believed that the first mention of it refers to the sixteenth century. It was at this time in Kievan Rus, the main armed force was the squad. What is an oath? For a volunteer to get into the ranks of brave warriors, he needed to undergo various tests for courage and dexterity. After the successful completion of the newly-bred warrior offered to give such an oath. What is an oath for a soldier? It was a kind of rite, which included the custom of kissing the cross. Such an oath, as today, was taken in the presence of the priest. Over time, the ritual, and even the military oath itself, underwent some changes. To date, the procedure for holding such a ceremony is determined by common military statutes. In the army, the day of the oath is officially considered festive. Every soldier realizes the importance of this rite. The oath (the meaning of the word is given above) means a solemn vow. The same meaning has the related word "oath".

Oath in court

To date, the oath in court in some countries is done through the Bible. More precisely, it only puts a hand. This tradition was widespread in the Middle Ages. The Bible as a sacred book, apparently, served as authority and did not allow lying in court. How? In case of deceit or failure to fulfill the promise, the one who swore had a serious punishment. Since, to date, a growing number of people consider themselves to be genuinely religious, many European courts are thinking of removing this short rite from the trial. Some consider this decision justified, because a person who does not know what an oath is, can not fully understand the essence of the responsibility that falls on him.

Important to know the meaning

Nobody will deny that the ancient custom of vowing is still relevant in modern society. Whatever it is: the Hippocratic oath, military oath or vow in court, this should be approached seriously. Each for himself should find out what the oath is and how it will affect his life. Having reliable and high-quality information, we can make a reasonable, measured decision.