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.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
