Reasoning About Madness

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology
Cover of the book Reasoning About Madness by J. K. Wing, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: J. K. Wing ISBN: 9781351494618
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: J. K. Wing
ISBN: 9781351494618
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The exact definition of "madness" remains elusive. There are difficulties in distinguishing the criminal from the mad or, more euphemistically, the mentally ill. Controversy has centered on the frightening potential possessed by the state to deprive of his rights the individual officially classified as mad.

In this book, Wing, a psychiatrist of international repute, argues for a limited medical definition of mental illness, although he explains how even a doctor's professional judgment may often be influenced by social pressures. He compares concepts of madness prevalent in different types of society, examining, for example, the Marxist attitude towards the deviant in a socialist state. In a chapter which draws much from his own experience, he shows precisely how the apparatus of state medicine is used to suppress political dissidence in Russia. He also critically reviews the petty tyrannies prevalent in the West and tackles the difficult analytical problem of schizophrenia, a subject on which he is one of the most respected medical authorities.

Reasoning about Madness is an original and important work in which the author successfully resists the temptation to erect "grand theories that explain nothing because they attempt to explain everything." Instead, he concentrates on developing a definition of madness which strikes a balance between the benefits of medical care and the preservation of human liberties.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The exact definition of "madness" remains elusive. There are difficulties in distinguishing the criminal from the mad or, more euphemistically, the mentally ill. Controversy has centered on the frightening potential possessed by the state to deprive of his rights the individual officially classified as mad.

In this book, Wing, a psychiatrist of international repute, argues for a limited medical definition of mental illness, although he explains how even a doctor's professional judgment may often be influenced by social pressures. He compares concepts of madness prevalent in different types of society, examining, for example, the Marxist attitude towards the deviant in a socialist state. In a chapter which draws much from his own experience, he shows precisely how the apparatus of state medicine is used to suppress political dissidence in Russia. He also critically reviews the petty tyrannies prevalent in the West and tackles the difficult analytical problem of schizophrenia, a subject on which he is one of the most respected medical authorities.

Reasoning about Madness is an original and important work in which the author successfully resists the temptation to erect "grand theories that explain nothing because they attempt to explain everything." Instead, he concentrates on developing a definition of madness which strikes a balance between the benefits of medical care and the preservation of human liberties.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Mathematics Teaching in the Early Years by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Karl Marx by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book A Philosophy of Material Culture by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Profsnl Task Welf Prac Ils 188 by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Climate Change Denial by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book An American Dilemma by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Measuring Business Excellence by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Sports Fundraising by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Constitutional Change in the UK by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Geography of Production and Economic Integration by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book China's Power and Asian Security by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book From Learning Theory to Connectionist Theory by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Geographies of Globalization by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Marine Electronic Navigation by J. K. Wing
Cover of the book Aspects of British Economic History by J. K. Wing
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy