The Bloomsbury Companion to Philosophy of Psychiatry

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This book explores the central questions and themes lying at the heart of a vibrant area of philosophical inquiry. Aligning core issues in psychiatry with traditional philosophical areas, it presents a focused overview of the historical and contemporary problems dominating the philosophy of psychiatry. Beginning with an introduction to philosophy of psychiatry, the book addresses what psychiatry is and distinguishes it from other areas of medical practice, other health care professions and psychology. With each section of the companion corresponding to a philosophical subject, contributors systematically cover relevant topics in philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, ethics, social and political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, phenomenology, and philosophy of medicine. Looking ahead to new research directions, chapters address recent issues including the metaphysics of mental disorders, gender and race in psychiatry and psychiatric ethics. Featuring discussion questions, suggestions for further reading and an annotated bibliography, The Bloomsbury Companion to Philosophy of Psychiatry is an accessible survey of the debates and developments in the field suitable for undergraduates in philosophy and professional philosophers new to philosophy of psychiatry.

Reviews

Compiling a volume of this importance and scope is an ambitious undertaking; completing one of this quality is a prodigious achievement. The field is indebted to Professors Tekin and Bluhm and to the other 27 scholars who contributed chapters to this volume. Their work surely augmented my understanding of myriad aspects of an ever-broadening subdiscipline in which none of us can keep abreast of all developments. I look forward to using this resource in my teaching and I am confident that I will have ample company in that decision. * Metapsychology Online Reviews *
The Companion is a most welcome contribution to the interactive field of philosophy and psychiatry. Unlike other collections in that field, the co-editors have done a truly commendable job of making the book classroom and student friendly. The book also deserves the keen attention of scholars working in or new to the field. * George Graham, Former Professor of Philosophy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Wake Forest University and Georgia State University, USA *
With top-tier contributors, an emphasis on no-nonsense writing, and undergraduate-friendly features like study questions, this thoughtful textbook will stimulate professors and students to explore the key questions in this new field the philosophy of psychiatry. Moreover, the text may well do some social good through helping the uninitiated to understand the complex world of mental health care! * John Z. Sadler, The Daniel W. Foster, M.D. Professor of Medical Ethics, University of Texas Southwestern, USA *
This expansive new collection is remarkable for its exciting, original material by an international group of contributors, and for its even-handed treatment of potentially polarizing differences of approach. Analytic and phenomenological orientations are represented, so are medical and more skeptical positions, and theoretical as well as clinical perspectives. With this generously eclectic orientation, cutting edge research, and accessible and comprehensive introduction by the editors, The Bloomsbury Companion to Philosophy of Psychiatry offers an unmatched aid for teaching and research alike. * Jennifer Radden, Emerita Professor of Philosophy, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA *
This volume brings together established and exciting new voices in the interdisciplinary field of philosophy of psychiatry, providing a fascinating forum for exchange among philosophers, research scientists, and clinicians. Together, their contributions make a compelling case that psychiatry is indeed in that critical phase Thomas Kuhn called extraordinary science, when business as usual becomes impossible. This timely collection will also convince the reader that Kuhn was right in noting that at such times philosophical interventions hold an especially powerful appeal. * Kathryn Tabb, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Columbia University, USA *

Author Bio

Serife Tekin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Classics at the University of Texas at San Antonio, USA. Robyn Bluhm is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University, USA.