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Unity and diversity in psychiatry: some philosophical issues
Citation
Dewhurst, D and Burges Watson, IP, Unity and diversity in psychiatry: some philosophical issues, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 30, (3) pp. 382-388. ISSN 0004-8674 (1996) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.3109/00048679609065002
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this paper is to provide a defence of diversity in psychiatry and, correspondingly, to show that strict 'biologism' (or any other 'total' approach to psychiatry) is inappropriate. Method: Arguments are developed using as a basis the writings of well known philosophers such as Stephen Toulmin, Joel Feinberg and Charles Taylor. The authors examine the concepts of explanation and causation and consider the consequences for psychiatry which might follow the acceptance of mind-brain identity. There is also a discussion of the concept of a person. Result: If the same phenomenon is subject to explanation from diverse psychiatric perspectives, it does not follow that these modes of explanation must exclude or be in competition with each other. They may in fact be necessary to each other if psychiatry is to provide a full picture of mental functioning and human conduct. The thesis of mind-brain identity does not eliminate the variety of discourses within psychiatry, and hence it does not provide a rationale for 'biologism'. Conclusion: There is a need for a co-operative multidimensional approach in psychiatry.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Research Division: | Philosophy and Religious Studies |
Research Group: | History and philosophy of specific fields |
Research Field: | History and philosophy of medicine |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Other health |
Objective Field: | Other health not elsewhere classified |
UTAS Author: | Dewhurst, D (Dr David Dewhurst) |
UTAS Author: | Burges Watson, IP (Dr Paddy Burges Watson) |
ID Code: | 6976 |
Year Published: | 1996 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 2 |
Deposited By: | Early Childhood and Primary Education |
Deposited On: | 1996-08-01 |
Last Modified: | 2011-08-19 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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