Terms of Service

Last Updated: November 1, 2025

⚠️ EMERGENCY NOTICE

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS OR EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY:

  • 📞 Call 911 (US) or your local emergency number
  • 📞 Call/Text 988 (US) for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • 🏥 Go to your nearest emergency room

THIS IS NOT AN EMERGENCY OR CRISIS SERVICE.

IMPORTANT: Philosophical Reflections Only

Dotish Philosopher is a philosophical companion that offers:

  • ✓ Wisdom from Stoicism, Buddhism, Existentialism, and other philosophical traditions
  • ✓ Reflections on life, existence, and the human condition
  • ✓ Historical context on ancient practices

We do NOT provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. We do NOT diagnose, treat, or counsel.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using Dotish Philosopher, you agree to:

  • These Terms of Service
  • Our Privacy Policy
  • That you are 18+ years old OR have parental/guardian consent
  • That you understand this is philosophical content, NOT professional medical, legal, or therapeutic services

2. Philosophical Reflections & Educational Content

Dotish Philosopher is a philosophical companion platform that provides:

  • Philosophical Wisdom: Perspectives from Buddhist, Stoic, Existentialist, Christian, and other traditions on life, existence, and the human condition
  • Ancient Practices: Historical context on breathing techniques from Traditional Chinese Medicine, ancient yogic traditions, and Buddhist meditation practices
  • Reflective Content: Essays and observations about navigating life's challenges
  • Conversational AI: Philosophical dialogue powered by OpenAI - asks questions, listens, offers perspectives (not advice)
  • Educational Information: Summaries of peer-reviewed research when relevant to philosophical discussions

3. What We Are NOT

We Are NOT:

  • ❌ A medical service or healthcare provider
  • ❌ A therapy or counseling service
  • ❌ A crisis intervention service
  • ❌ A substitute for professional mental health care
  • ❌ Able to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition
  • ❌ A replacement for medical advice from your doctor

4. Medical Disclaimer

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this site is for educational and informational purposes only. It is NOT intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

5. Ancient Practices - Safety Information

Information about ancient breathing practices is shared as historical and educational context only, not as medical recommendations.

Before Practicing Any Ancient Technique:

  • Consult your healthcare provider if you have ANY medical conditions
  • These are ancient practices, not medical interventions
  • Start slowly and stop if you experience any discomfort
  • Understand that individual experiences vary widely
  • We do NOT prescribe these practices for any medical condition

Always Consult Your Doctor Before Practicing If You Have:

  • Heart or lung conditions
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Pregnancy
  • Epilepsy or seizure disorders
  • Recent surgery
  • Any chronic medical condition

Stop Immediately and Seek Medical Care If You Experience:

  • Chest pain or severe discomfort
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent dizziness or fainting
  • Any concerning symptoms

Remember: This site shares philosophical and historical information about ancient practices. It does NOT diagnose conditions or prescribe treatments.

6. User Responsibilities

By using this site, YOU are responsible for:

  • ✓ Your own health and wellbeing
  • ✓ Consulting healthcare professionals for medical concerns
  • ✓ Using crisis services (988, 911) for emergencies
  • ✓ Understanding that AI can make mistakes
  • ✓ Not relying on this site for medical decisions
  • ✓ Following safety guidelines for any practices you try

7. No Warranties

THE SITE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES.

We make NO warranties or representations about:

  • Accuracy or completeness of information
  • Suitability for your specific situation
  • Results or outcomes from using the site
  • Uninterrupted or error-free operation
  • AI responses being appropriate or helpful

8. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • We are NOT liable for any damages from using this site
  • NOT liable for decisions made based on site content
  • NOT liable for AI errors or inappropriate responses
  • NOT liable for failure to detect emergencies
  • NOT liable for health outcomes

USE THIS SITE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

9. Donation-Based Model

Dotish Philosopher is free to use and supported by optional donations.

  • No payment required to access content
  • Donations are voluntary gifts, not payment for services
  • Donations are non-refundable
  • We do not provide professional services in exchange for donations

10. Privacy & Data

  • Conversations stored locally in your browser only
  • We do NOT collect or store personal health data
  • See Privacy Policy for details
  • This is NOT a HIPAA-compliant service

11. Content Attribution

We respectfully acknowledge our sources for philosophical and historical content:

  • Qigong/Six Healing Sounds: Traditional Chinese Medicine (ancient Daoist practice)
  • Pranayama: Ancient Indian yogic tradition
  • Buddhist practices: Buddhist meditation and philosophical traditions
  • Stoic philosophy: Ancient Greek and Roman philosophical texts
  • Existentialist thought: Modern philosophical tradition
  • Research: Peer-reviewed journals (cited when referenced for educational context)

12. Prohibited Uses

You may NOT use this site:

  • ❌ For medical emergencies (call 911)
  • ❌ As a substitute for professional healthcare
  • ❌ To make medical decisions
  • ❌ If under 18 without parental consent
  • ❌ To violate any laws or regulations

13. Changes to Terms

  • We may update these Terms at any time
  • Continued use means you accept changes
  • Check this page periodically for updates

14. Contact

Questions or Concerns:

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States.

BY USING THIS SITE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE:

  • ✓ You have read and understood these Terms
  • ✓ This is philosophical content, NOT medical advice, therapy, or counseling
  • ✓ You will consult healthcare professionals for medical or mental health concerns
  • ✓ You will use 988/911 for emergencies or crisis situations
  • ✓ You use this site at your own risk