Why Delusions Matter (Why Philosophy Matters) - Softcover

Bortolotti, Lisa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1350163295 ISBN 13: 9781350163294

Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic, 2023

Synopsis

A 2024 Choice Outstanding Academic Title When we talk about delusions we may refer to symptoms of mental health problems, such as clinical delusions in schizophrenia, or simply the beliefs that people cling to which are implausible and resistant to counterevidence; these can include anything from beliefs about the benefits of homeopathy to concerns about the threat of alien abduction. Why do people adopt delusional beliefs and why are they so reluctant to part with them? In Why Delusions Matter, Lisa Bortolotti explains what delusions really are and argues that, despite their negative reputation, they can also play a positive role in people's lives, imposing some meaning on adverse experiences and strengthening personal or social identities. In a clear and accessible style, Bortolotti contributes to the growing research on the philosophy of the cognitive sciences, offering a novel and nuanced view of delusions.

About this title

About the Author

Lisa Bortolotti is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Birmingham, UK, working in the philosophy of psychology and psychiatry. She is the author of Delusions and Other Irrational Beliefs (2009), which received the Biannual APA Book Prize, and Irrationality (2014).

Edition details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1350163295
• ISBN 13: 9781350163294
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 198