Madness and Reason (Routledge Library Editions: Ethics) - Hardcover

Radden, Jennifer

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0367500000 ISBN 13: 9780367500009

Publisher: Routledge, 2020

Synopsis

Originally published in 1985, this book provides a philosophical analysis of the concepts of madness and moral responsibility. It challenges the view that because they are victims of mental illness, the insane should not be blamed for actions resulting from their condition. The author urges a return to the neglected equation between madness and a want of reason, arguing that the impulse to excuse the criminally insane must be grounded in an appeal to their irrationality and unreasonableness. Through meticulous examination of the psychological states and behaviour patterns of major mental abnormalities, such as schizophrenia and depression, the author develops a notion of exculpating unreason. This is an interdisciplinary book which encompasses analytical philosophy, abnormal psychology and law.

About this title

About the Author

Jennifer Radden is Professor emerita of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0367500000
• ISBN 13: 9780367500009
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 188