Action Theory, Rationality and Compulsion

by Lennart Nordenfelt

Overview

Rationality and Compulsion presents a unique examination of mental illness - derived from philosophical action theory. Delusion is common to many mental disorders, resulting in actions that, though perhaps rational to the individual, might seem entirely inappropriate or harmful to others. So what is it that causes these actions, and why do they continue? The theory expounded in this book shows how the key to this problem might be compulsion.

This book presents a new analysis of the notion of compulsion - developed from action theory. The books starts with an introduction to action theory (for the benefit of non-philosophers). It then shows how insights from action theory can help us better understand mental illness, before developing an analysis of compulsion that emphasizes the element of unavoidability. The book argues that what is fundamentally disturbing to the person suffering from delusion is not so much the fact that the disorder tends to lead to irrational actions but rather the fact that he or she is unable to avoid performing these actions. The individual is or feels compelled to act in the way he or she does. The book contains some concrete illustrations of this idea as applied to several psychiatric diagnoses, such as paranoia, phobia, and psychopathy.

Rationality and Compulsion is a highly original new work from a leading figure in the philosophy and psychiatry movement. It will advance our understanding of mental illness, and be valuable for psychiatrists, psychologists, as well as philosophers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199214853
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	06/21/2007
Series:	International Perspectives in Philosophy and Psychiatry
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 6.00(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

PART I: Prolegemena to action theory and the theory of health1. Elements of philosophy of action2. On the possibilities for action: ability, opportunity, and competence3. Towards a theory of health and illness4. On the understanding and explanation of actionsPART II: Irrationality, Compulsion, and Mental Disorder5. Reasons for action and rationality6. On defective rationalization of action7. Towards a theory of mental disorder: the place of compulsion8. Towards a new analysis of compulsion9. Compulsion and specific mental disorders10. Epilogue

Editorial Reviews

"A substantial work of analysis and provides a clear approach to action explanation through practical syllogism."—Metapsychology

"...a very useful resource for those philosophers of mind who might wonder what the practical dimension of their work is, and to those psychiatrists who are interested in the philosophical issues raised by the study of mental disorders."—British Journal of Psychology

"Nordenfelt's thesis here is more or less spot on for the conditions he covers...a readable book, and as a spur to thinking about nosology and why, for example, a depressive illness is an illness and not understandable misery, it is definitely worth reading."—Psychological Medicine

"I would recommend this book for clinicians of any discipline who have an interest in examining mechanism and determinants of behavior in an in-depth manner."—Justin J. Trevino, M.D., for Psychiatric Services

From the Publisher