What is an oath? This is a solemn official promise or an oath of allegiance. In the modern world, the oath is often pronounced upon assuming a responsible position. It can also be military or medical (better known as the Hippocratic oath). It is received by witnesses in a solemn and purely official setting. What does the oath mean? This is the assurance of others in the truthfulness of what was said and that these words will be fulfilled. As mentioned at the beginning, oaths or oaths can differ significantly from each other.
The oath for doctors - the oath of Hippocrates
Almost half a century ago, the famous ancient Greek doctor, who is also called the father of medicine, wrote the famous oath to everyone. It was a kind of noble code of ethics, which doctors recognize to this day. Many adhere to this interesting, but, alas, erroneous opinion. How reliable is this information? The facts show that Hippocrates was not at all the author of the well-known oath, which besides all bears his name. There is also reason to believe that the famous oath is not entirely consistent with its original version.
Who, after all, wrote it, and what significance does it have today?
Why are there reasons to doubt that the oath was written by Hippocrates? The oath traditionally began with an appeal to various deities, and he, as you know, was the first to bring medicine to the scientific level, completely separating it from religion and rituals. His contemporaries knew that he preferred to look for the problem in physiological reasons than in supernatural ones. We must not lose sight of the fact that certain actions prohibited by the Hippocratic oath did not at all contradict the medical standards of the time.
For example, at that time abortion and suicide were not at all condemned by law and even religion, but surgical intervention was prohibited. 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 we can draw a rather interesting logical conclusion: most likely, the oath or oath was not written by Hippocrates.
Most of the thoughts and philosophy that takes place in this document are more likely to correspond to the Pythagorean ideas, which preach the holiness of life and vehemently oppose surgical intervention. Unfortunately, the true author of this world-famous oath remains 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 on graduation and upon delivery of a doctor’s diploma.
Military oath
It is believed that the first mention of it dates back to the sixteenth century. It was at this time in Kievan Rus that the main armed force was the squad. What does the oath mean? So that a volunteer could get into the ranks of brave warriors, he needed to pass various tests for courage and dexterity. After successful completion, the newly minted warrior was offered to take such an oath. What is an oath for a soldier? It was a kind of rite that included the custom of kissing the cross. Such an oath, as today, was taken in the presence of a priest.
Over time, the ritual, and the military oath itself, underwent some changes. To date, the procedure for holding such a ceremony is determined by the general military regulations. In the army, the oath day is officially considered festive. Each soldier is aware of the importance of this rite. The oath (the meaning of the word is given above) means a solemn vow. The related word "oath" has the same meaning.
Court oath
To date, the oath in court in some countries is carried out using the Bible. More precisely, they just put a hand on it. This tradition was widespread back in the Middle Ages. The Bible as a holy book, apparently, served as an authority and did not allow lying in court. How? In the event of a fraud or failure to fulfill a promise, the one who swore was liable to serious punishment.
Since today less and less people consider themselves truly religious, many European courts are thinking about removing this short rite from the trial. Some consider this decision justified, because a person who does not know what the oath is, can not fully understand the whole essence of the responsibility that falls on him.
