Philosophy of Psychiatry: A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge Contemporary Introductions to Philosophy)

This is the first introductory textbook of its kind devoted to philosophy of psychiatry, offering a thorough and accessible investigation of the conceptual and philosophical problems at the heart of psychiatric practice and research. While it applies some of the long-standing concerns of philosophy to the mental health professions, it also investigates philosophical problems and issues that have arisen more recently from careful examination of psychiatric phenomena. Divided into two parts, Philosophy of Psychiatric Practice and Research and Philosophy and Psychopathology, the book’s 12 chapters cover topics like the ontological status of mental illness, philosophical issues in diagnosis, the role of culture in psychiatry and the relationship between mental illness and personal identity, as well as explore foundational problems in studying well-known psychopathologies like schizophrenia, depression and addiction. All chapters include initial overviews and concluding summaries and a list of suggested readings.

Key Features

• Two-part structure – divided between (1) philosophy of psychiatric practice and research, and (2) philosophy and psychopathology – presents a clear, yet distinctive picture of the field
• Offers a unified style and vision throughout, with easy-to-follow segues from chapter to chapter
• Pedagogical features include chapter overviews and summaries, discussion questions and sections for further reading

Sam Wilkinson is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy in the Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology at the University of Exeter, whose research focuses on hallucinations, delusions, psychological trauma, brain injury and the nature of health and well-being. He has published articles in leading journals, including Mind and Language, Consciousness and Cognition, Review of Philosophy and Psychology and Philosophy, Psychiatry and Psychology.