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SMJ // Article

Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project

The History of Thinking About Miracles in the West

Authors: Jakub Pawlikowski, MD, MPhil

Abstract

Phenomena considered to be miracles have been present in human culture since its origins. There have been astronomical, meteorological, and biological occurrences, and they have attracted the attention of ordinary people, artists, and thinkers. Each of these groups has tried to explain the curious phenomena or to express amazement in its own way: by means of piety or fear, creating artistic masterpieces, or theoretical reflection. Reflections on miracles (apologetic or skeptical) by philosophers and theologians, as well as writers and scientists (eg, physicians, physicists, and sociologists), have usually occurred in religious contexts.

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