Philosophy of Psychiatry

Jonathan Y. Tsou examines and defends positions on central issues in philosophy of psychiatry, arguing that genuine mental disorders are biological kinds with harmful effects and that the broader ideal of biological kinds offers a more promising and empirically ascertainable naturalistic standard for assessing the reality of mental disorders and the validity of psychiatric categories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Jonathan Y. Tsou delves into the examination and defense of positions on critical issues within the philosophy of psychiatry. These positions are grounded in a naturalistic and realist framework, positioning themselves against skeptical perspectives on biological psychiatry. The topics explored include the nature of mental disorders, the explanatory roles of mechanistic and disease-oriented approaches, the delineation of mental disorders, the distinction between natural and artificial categories in psychiatry, the concept of biological essentialism, the projectability of psychiatric categories, the dynamics of looping effects and the stability of mental disorders, psychiatric classification systems, and the validity of the diagnostic categories outlined in the DSM.

Tsou's central argument is that genuine mental disorders constitute biological kinds that have detrimental effects. This argument challenges the prevailing dogma that mental disorders are invariably diseases or pathological conditions that arise from biological dysfunction. Tsou posits that the broader concept of biological kinds presents a more promising and empirically verifiable naturalistic standard for evaluating the reality of mental disorders and the validity of psychiatric categories.

In exploring these topics, Tsou employs a rigorous and analytical approach, drawing upon a wide range of philosophical and scientific sources. He critically examines the assumptions and implications of different perspectives, employing logical reasoning and evidence-based arguments to support his positions. Through his work, Tsou seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the nature of mental disorders and to provide insights into the ethical and practical considerations surrounding their diagnosis, treatment, and societal impact.

This essay provides an overview of Jonathan Y. Tsou's examination and defense of positions on central issues in philosophy of psychiatry. It highlights the naturalistic and realist perspective adopted by Tsou, as well as the critical examination of skeptical perspectives on biological psychiatry. The essay explores the various topics addressed by Tsou, including the reality of mental disorders, mechanistic explanations, definitions of mental disorder, biological essentialism, projectability, looping effects, stability, psychiatric classification, and the validity of the DSM's diagnostic categories. Tsou's main argument is presented, emphasizing the biological nature of mental disorders and the distinction between disease-oriented and broader naturalistic approaches. The essay concludes by highlighting the significance of Tsou's work in advancing our understanding of mental disorders and the potential benefits of a more empirically grounded and naturalistic perspective in psychiatry.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108706667