Which scholarly approach did Hippocrates advocate for understanding human health?

Hippocrates, often referred to as the "Father of Medicine," emphasized the importance of empirical observation as a means to understand human health. This approach involved systematically observing patients, their symptoms, and their responses to various treatments. Hippocrates believed that careful observation and documentation could lead to a better understanding of diseases and health conditions, setting the foundation for clinical practice.

Through empirical observation, Hippocrates and his followers began to separate medical knowledge from superstition and religious beliefs, leading to more scientifically grounded practices. This method encouraged physicians to rely on their own experiences and the observable facts surrounding health, rather than solely on theoretical constructs or dogmatic principles. By focusing on real-world observations, Hippocrates helped establish the basis for evidence-based medicine, which remains a cornerstone of healthcare today.