A Lexicon of Lunacy

Metaphoric Malady, Moral Responsibility and Psychiatry

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Specialties, Psychiatry, Psychology
Cover of the book A Lexicon of Lunacy by Thomas Szasz, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas Szasz ISBN: 9781351535021
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Thomas Szasz
ISBN: 9781351535021
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Thomas Szasz is renowned for his critical exploration of the literal language of psychiatry and his rejection of officially sanctioned definitions of mental illness. His work has initiated a continuing debate in the psychiatric community whose essence is often misunderstood. Szasz's critique of the established view of mental illness is rooted in an insistent distinction between disease and behavior. In his view, psychiatrists have misapplied the vocabulary of disease as metaphorical figures to denote a range of deviant behaviors from the merely eccentric to the criminal. In A Lexicon of Lunacy, Szasz extends his analysis of psychiatric language to show how its misuse has resulted in a medicalized view of life that denies the reality of free will and responsibility.

Szasz documents the extraordinary extent to which modern diagnosis of mental illness is subject to shifting social attitudes and values. He shows how economic, personal, legal, and political factors have come to play an increasingly powerful role in the diagnostic process, with consequences of blurring the distinction between cultural and scientific standards. Broadened definitions of mental illness have had a corrosive effect on the criminal justice system in undercutting traditional conceptions of criminal behavior and have encouraged state-sanctioned coercive interventions that bestow special privileges (and impose special hardships) on persons diagnosed as mentally ill.

Lucidly written and powerfully argued, and now available in paperback, this provocative and challenging volume will be of interest to psychologists, criminologists, and sociologists.

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

Thomas Szasz is renowned for his critical exploration of the literal language of psychiatry and his rejection of officially sanctioned definitions of mental illness. His work has initiated a continuing debate in the psychiatric community whose essence is often misunderstood. Szasz's critique of the established view of mental illness is rooted in an insistent distinction between disease and behavior. In his view, psychiatrists have misapplied the vocabulary of disease as metaphorical figures to denote a range of deviant behaviors from the merely eccentric to the criminal. In A Lexicon of Lunacy, Szasz extends his analysis of psychiatric language to show how its misuse has resulted in a medicalized view of life that denies the reality of free will and responsibility.

Szasz documents the extraordinary extent to which modern diagnosis of mental illness is subject to shifting social attitudes and values. He shows how economic, personal, legal, and political factors have come to play an increasingly powerful role in the diagnostic process, with consequences of blurring the distinction between cultural and scientific standards. Broadened definitions of mental illness have had a corrosive effect on the criminal justice system in undercutting traditional conceptions of criminal behavior and have encouraged state-sanctioned coercive interventions that bestow special privileges (and impose special hardships) on persons diagnosed as mentally ill.

Lucidly written and powerfully argued, and now available in paperback, this provocative and challenging volume will be of interest to psychologists, criminologists, and sociologists.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Literacy by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Principles and Practice of Impact Investing by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book The Diaspora Strikes Back by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Television and the Second Screen by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book War and the Body by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Children’s Participation in Global Contexts by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Legal Issues for Library and Information Managers by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Understanding Statelessness by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book China Under Reform by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book The Economics of Climate Change by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Wagner in Russia, Poland and the Czech Lands by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Adult Education as Theory, Practice and Research by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Pre-school Learning in the Community by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Historical Geography: Progress and Prospect by Thomas Szasz
Cover of the book Gladstone and the Irish Nation by Thomas Szasz
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