Module description
This module will critically appraise several main approaches to the concept of mental disorder. First, the critiques of mainstream psychiatry, beginning in the 1960s and still current, mainly to the effect that normal distress or social deviance is being inappropriately pathologized; second, conceptualisations of mental disorder in the standard psychiatry diagnostic manuals of the World Health Organisation and the American Psychiatric Association; and third, ‘naturalist’ approaches to the definition of mental disorder that invoke population statistical or evolutionary theory based norms. Distinctive features include coverage of various approaches to this multi-faceted problem.
Assessment details
Summative: Essay, 3500 words (100%)
Formative: Essay, 2000-3000 words
Educational aims & objectives
Students will be introduced to and receive training in certain key ideas from the interface between philosophy and psychiatry, at a level of sophistication appropriate to a level-7 module. In particular, topics will include:
- Contemporary controversies about the nature and extent of mental disorder
- Conceptualizations used in mainstream psychiatry
- Theoretical definitions in terms of human nature
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 7 module. In particular they will be able to demonstrate:
- Understanding of contemporary controversies about the nature and extent of mental disorder, conceptualisations used in mainstream psychiatry, and theoretical definitions in terms of human nature.
- Knowledge of the main positions in the philosophy of psychiatry relevant to the definition of mental disorder.
- Ability to assess and develop these positions
- Ability to exercise their powers of intellectual criticism by critically commenting upon the views discussed
- Ability to relate material from the philosophy of psychiatry to other branches of philosophy, such as philosophy of psychology or philosophy of medicine
- Ability to form philosophical views of their own which they are prepared to defend or amend in light of criticism.
- Ability to read closely and gain understanding of relevant texts.
Teaching pattern
One two-hour weekly seminar over ten weeks.