Author: Ellsworth Lapham Fersch
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 1450228674
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 288
Book Description
This volume provides a clear and compelling introduction to one of the most controversial topics in society. Focusing on the dynamic interplay among mental illness, religion, and terrorism, it directs attention to questions of criminal responsibility raised by the general reader and by students of law, psychology, religion, neuroscience, terrorism, and public policy. Questions and examples address: insanity defense basics and issues of legal responsibility, including the impact of neuroscience and psychology disputes about free will and determinism the balance among mental illness, religion, and law, including the two trials of the mother who drowned her five children the defense of men who killed abortion providers the relation among mental illness, religion, terrorism, and law, including possible defenses for the Army major who killed thirteen at Fort Hood motivations of other Islamic, Christian, and secular extremists the role of brainwashing and the effect of deprogramming, including their early use with the heiress who joined in terrorist crimes their influence on cult leaders and followers Varying responses address juror comments on their verdicts in two mock trials what the insanity defense standard should be whether guilty but mentally ill should be an added test what role standard, extremist, or individualistic religion should play in the law whether the insanity defense standard should be different for terrorists The extensive bibliography directs students and general readers interested in further material to the important world where psychology and law, religion and terror, and public policy interact. This brief and readable book is the first place to look for what most people want to know about this volatile mix in today’s world.
Thinking About Insanity, Religion, and Terrorism
Author: Ellsworth Lapham Fersch
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 1450228674
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 288
Book Description
This volume provides a clear and compelling introduction to one of the most controversial topics in society. Focusing on the dynamic interplay among mental illness, religion, and terrorism, it directs attention to questions of criminal responsibility raised by the general reader and by students of law, psychology, religion, neuroscience, terrorism, and public policy. Questions and examples address: insanity defense basics and issues of legal responsibility, including the impact of neuroscience and psychology disputes about free will and determinism the balance among mental illness, religion, and law, including the two trials of the mother who drowned her five children the defense of men who killed abortion providers the relation among mental illness, religion, terrorism, and law, including possible defenses for the Army major who killed thirteen at Fort Hood motivations of other Islamic, Christian, and secular extremists the role of brainwashing and the effect of deprogramming, including their early use with the heiress who joined in terrorist crimes their influence on cult leaders and followers Varying responses address juror comments on their verdicts in two mock trials what the insanity defense standard should be whether guilty but mentally ill should be an added test what role standard, extremist, or individualistic religion should play in the law whether the insanity defense standard should be different for terrorists The extensive bibliography directs students and general readers interested in further material to the important world where psychology and law, religion and terror, and public policy interact. This brief and readable book is the first place to look for what most people want to know about this volatile mix in today’s world.
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 1450228674
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 288
Book Description
This volume provides a clear and compelling introduction to one of the most controversial topics in society. Focusing on the dynamic interplay among mental illness, religion, and terrorism, it directs attention to questions of criminal responsibility raised by the general reader and by students of law, psychology, religion, neuroscience, terrorism, and public policy. Questions and examples address: insanity defense basics and issues of legal responsibility, including the impact of neuroscience and psychology disputes about free will and determinism the balance among mental illness, religion, and law, including the two trials of the mother who drowned her five children the defense of men who killed abortion providers the relation among mental illness, religion, terrorism, and law, including possible defenses for the Army major who killed thirteen at Fort Hood motivations of other Islamic, Christian, and secular extremists the role of brainwashing and the effect of deprogramming, including their early use with the heiress who joined in terrorist crimes their influence on cult leaders and followers Varying responses address juror comments on their verdicts in two mock trials what the insanity defense standard should be whether guilty but mentally ill should be an added test what role standard, extremist, or individualistic religion should play in the law whether the insanity defense standard should be different for terrorists The extensive bibliography directs students and general readers interested in further material to the important world where psychology and law, religion and terror, and public policy interact. This brief and readable book is the first place to look for what most people want to know about this volatile mix in today’s world.
Holy Terrors
Author: Bruce Lincoln
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226481948
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 155
Book Description
In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, it is tempting to regard their perpetrators as evil incarnate. But their motives, as Bruce Lincoln shows in this timely offering, were profoundly and intensely religious. What we need, then, after September 11 is greater clarity about what we take religion to be. With rigor and incisiveness, Holy Terrors examines the implications of September 11 for our understanding of religion and how it interrelates with politics and culture. Lincoln begins with a gripping dissection of the instruction manual given to each of the hijackers. In their evocation of passages from the Quran, we learn how the terrorists justified acts of destruction and mass murder "in the name of God, the most merciful, the most compassionate." Lincoln then offers a provocative comparison of President Bush's October 7 speech announcing U.S. military action in Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden's videotape released hours later. Each speech, he argues, betrays telling contradictions. Bin Laden, for instance, conceded implicitly that Islam is not unitary, as his religious rhetoric would have it, but is torn by deep political divisions. And Bush, steering clear of religious rhetoric for the sake of political unity, still reassured his constituents through coded allusions that American policy is firmly rooted in faith. Lincoln ultimately broadens his discussion further to consider the role of religion since September 11 and how it came to be involved with such fervent acts of political revolt. In the postcolonial world, he argues, religion is widely considered the most viable and effective instrument of rebellion against economic and social injustices. It is the institution through which unified communities ensure the integrity and continuity of their culture in the wake of globalization. Brimming with insights such as these, Holy Terrors will become one of the essential books on September 11 and a classic study on the character of religion.
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226481948
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 155
Book Description
In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, it is tempting to regard their perpetrators as evil incarnate. But their motives, as Bruce Lincoln shows in this timely offering, were profoundly and intensely religious. What we need, then, after September 11 is greater clarity about what we take religion to be. With rigor and incisiveness, Holy Terrors examines the implications of September 11 for our understanding of religion and how it interrelates with politics and culture. Lincoln begins with a gripping dissection of the instruction manual given to each of the hijackers. In their evocation of passages from the Quran, we learn how the terrorists justified acts of destruction and mass murder "in the name of God, the most merciful, the most compassionate." Lincoln then offers a provocative comparison of President Bush's October 7 speech announcing U.S. military action in Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden's videotape released hours later. Each speech, he argues, betrays telling contradictions. Bin Laden, for instance, conceded implicitly that Islam is not unitary, as his religious rhetoric would have it, but is torn by deep political divisions. And Bush, steering clear of religious rhetoric for the sake of political unity, still reassured his constituents through coded allusions that American policy is firmly rooted in faith. Lincoln ultimately broadens his discussion further to consider the role of religion since September 11 and how it came to be involved with such fervent acts of political revolt. In the postcolonial world, he argues, religion is widely considered the most viable and effective instrument of rebellion against economic and social injustices. It is the institution through which unified communities ensure the integrity and continuity of their culture in the wake of globalization. Brimming with insights such as these, Holy Terrors will become one of the essential books on September 11 and a classic study on the character of religion.
Thinking about the Insanity Defense
Author: Ellsworth Lapham Fersch
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0595344127
Category : Criminal liability
Languages : en
Pages : 268
Book Description
Thinking About the Insanity Defense answers ninety-seven frequently asked questions and presents sixteen case examples in easily understood language. This volume provides a clear and compelling introduction to one of the most important topics in the relation between psychology and law. Compiled by members of a Harvard seminar, it directs attention to the issues most often raised by the general public and by students of social science and criminal justice. The frequently asked questions about the insanity defense address: its history and psychological aspects; the effects of different standards for determining insanity; the arguments for its retention, abolition, and revision; media and other responses to it; controversies around pre- and post-conviction commitment; and the roles of psychologists, psychiatrists, and lawyers. The case examples illustrate a variety of outcomes and include individuals who were: found not guilty by reason of insanity; found guilty even though mentally ill; and not charged because of mental illness. The extensive bibliography directs students and citizens interested in psychology, law, and criminal justice to further cases and analyses. The insanity defense is one of the most significant topics in psychoforensics. This brief and readable book is the first place to look for what most people want to know about the insanity defense.
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0595344127
Category : Criminal liability
Languages : en
Pages : 268
Book Description
Thinking About the Insanity Defense answers ninety-seven frequently asked questions and presents sixteen case examples in easily understood language. This volume provides a clear and compelling introduction to one of the most important topics in the relation between psychology and law. Compiled by members of a Harvard seminar, it directs attention to the issues most often raised by the general public and by students of social science and criminal justice. The frequently asked questions about the insanity defense address: its history and psychological aspects; the effects of different standards for determining insanity; the arguments for its retention, abolition, and revision; media and other responses to it; controversies around pre- and post-conviction commitment; and the roles of psychologists, psychiatrists, and lawyers. The case examples illustrate a variety of outcomes and include individuals who were: found not guilty by reason of insanity; found guilty even though mentally ill; and not charged because of mental illness. The extensive bibliography directs students and citizens interested in psychology, law, and criminal justice to further cases and analyses. The insanity defense is one of the most significant topics in psychoforensics. This brief and readable book is the first place to look for what most people want to know about the insanity defense.
Thinking about Insanity, Religion, and Terrorism
Author: Ellsworth Lapham Fersch
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781450228664
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 324
Book Description
This volume provides a clear and compelling introduction to one of the most controversial topics in society. Focusing on the dynamic interplay among mental illness, religion, and terrorism, it directs attention to questions of criminal responsibility raised by the general reader and by students of law, psychology, religion, neuroscience, terrorism, and public policy. Questions and examples address: insanity defense basics and issues of legal responsibility, including the impact of neuroscience and psychology disputes about free will and determinism the balance among mental illness, religion, and law, including the two trials of the mother who drowned her five children the defense of men who killed abortion providers the relation among mental illness, religion, terrorism, and law, including possible defenses for the Army major who killed thirteen at Fort Hood motivations of other Islamic, Christian, and secular extremists the role of brainwashing and the effect of deprogramming, including their early use with the heiress who joined in terrorist crimes their influence on cult leaders and followers Varying responses address juror comments on their verdicts in two mock trials what the insanity defense standard should be whether guilty but mentally ill should be an added test what role standard, extremist, or individualistic religion should play in the law whether the insanity defense standard should be different for terrorists The extensive bibliography directs students and general readers interested in further material to the important world where psychology and law, religion and terror, and public policy interact. This brief and readable book is the first place to look for what most people want to know about this volatile mix in today's world.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781450228664
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 324
Book Description
This volume provides a clear and compelling introduction to one of the most controversial topics in society. Focusing on the dynamic interplay among mental illness, religion, and terrorism, it directs attention to questions of criminal responsibility raised by the general reader and by students of law, psychology, religion, neuroscience, terrorism, and public policy. Questions and examples address: insanity defense basics and issues of legal responsibility, including the impact of neuroscience and psychology disputes about free will and determinism the balance among mental illness, religion, and law, including the two trials of the mother who drowned her five children the defense of men who killed abortion providers the relation among mental illness, religion, terrorism, and law, including possible defenses for the Army major who killed thirteen at Fort Hood motivations of other Islamic, Christian, and secular extremists the role of brainwashing and the effect of deprogramming, including their early use with the heiress who joined in terrorist crimes their influence on cult leaders and followers Varying responses address juror comments on their verdicts in two mock trials what the insanity defense standard should be whether guilty but mentally ill should be an added test what role standard, extremist, or individualistic religion should play in the law whether the insanity defense standard should be different for terrorists The extensive bibliography directs students and general readers interested in further material to the important world where psychology and law, religion and terror, and public policy interact. This brief and readable book is the first place to look for what most people want to know about this volatile mix in today's world.
Spiritual Terrorism
Author: Boyd C. Purcell
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1452010668
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 504
Book Description
Spiritual Terrorism is about theimpact of fear-based religion on people's lives who have been spiritually abused by a negative conception of God through eternal hell-fire preaching and teaching. The doctrine of eternal punishment in literal fire is at the heart of many forms of spiritual abuse and all forms of spiritual terrorism which is the most extreme form of spiritual abuse. This book effectively explains the symbolic use of fire in the Holy Bible and other Holy Books. The common misunderstanding of the metaphorical usage of fire is the primary cause of spiritual terrorism. Dr. Purcell clarifies the confusion over the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace and judgment which is based on the deeds of lifegood or bad. This allows readers to grasp the liberating truth that people are totally free to live their lives but are also totally accountable, at the end of life, for how they have lived their lives. God will ultimately teach universal empathy and bring about perfect justice for all without violating anyone's free will. Spiritual abuse has the potential to affect all stages of life: in the womb, childhood, youth, young adults, older adults, end of life, and bereavement after the deaths of loved ones. Spiritual abuse may also affect all areas of life: marriage/divorce, emotional/mental/physical abuse, medical treatment or refusal of such treatment for self and children, and domestic and international terrorism. All major world religions are addressed: Judeo/Christianity, Islam, and the Eastern ReligionsBuddhism and Hinduism. Included as well are Native American Beliefs. There is a theme running through all major religions of God's unconditional love, amazing grace, infinite mercy, perfect justice, and a universal homecoming.
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1452010668
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 504
Book Description
Spiritual Terrorism is about theimpact of fear-based religion on people's lives who have been spiritually abused by a negative conception of God through eternal hell-fire preaching and teaching. The doctrine of eternal punishment in literal fire is at the heart of many forms of spiritual abuse and all forms of spiritual terrorism which is the most extreme form of spiritual abuse. This book effectively explains the symbolic use of fire in the Holy Bible and other Holy Books. The common misunderstanding of the metaphorical usage of fire is the primary cause of spiritual terrorism. Dr. Purcell clarifies the confusion over the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace and judgment which is based on the deeds of lifegood or bad. This allows readers to grasp the liberating truth that people are totally free to live their lives but are also totally accountable, at the end of life, for how they have lived their lives. God will ultimately teach universal empathy and bring about perfect justice for all without violating anyone's free will. Spiritual abuse has the potential to affect all stages of life: in the womb, childhood, youth, young adults, older adults, end of life, and bereavement after the deaths of loved ones. Spiritual abuse may also affect all areas of life: marriage/divorce, emotional/mental/physical abuse, medical treatment or refusal of such treatment for self and children, and domestic and international terrorism. All major world religions are addressed: Judeo/Christianity, Islam, and the Eastern ReligionsBuddhism and Hinduism. Included as well are Native American Beliefs. There is a theme running through all major religions of God's unconditional love, amazing grace, infinite mercy, perfect justice, and a universal homecoming.
Crimes Committed by Terrorist Groups
Author: Mark S. Hamm
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 1437929591
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Examines terrorists¿ involvement in a variety of crimes ranging from motor vehicle violations, immigration fraud, and mfg. illegal firearms to counterfeiting, armed bank robbery, and smuggling weapons of mass destruction. There are 3 parts: (1) Compares the criminality of internat. jihad groups with domestic right-wing groups. (2) Six case studies of crimes includes trial transcripts, official reports, previous scholarship, and interviews with law enforce. officials and former terrorists are used to explore skills that made crimes possible; or events and lack of skill that the prevented crimes. Includes brief bio. of the terrorists along with descriptions of their org., strategies, and plots. (3) Analysis of the themes in closing arguments of the transcripts in Part 2. Illus.
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 1437929591
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Examines terrorists¿ involvement in a variety of crimes ranging from motor vehicle violations, immigration fraud, and mfg. illegal firearms to counterfeiting, armed bank robbery, and smuggling weapons of mass destruction. There are 3 parts: (1) Compares the criminality of internat. jihad groups with domestic right-wing groups. (2) Six case studies of crimes includes trial transcripts, official reports, previous scholarship, and interviews with law enforce. officials and former terrorists are used to explore skills that made crimes possible; or events and lack of skill that the prevented crimes. Includes brief bio. of the terrorists along with descriptions of their org., strategies, and plots. (3) Analysis of the themes in closing arguments of the transcripts in Part 2. Illus.
Psychology of Terrorism
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
In compiling this annotated bibliography on the psychology of terrorism, the author has defined terrorism as "acts of violence intentionally perpetrated on civilian noncombatants with the goal of furthering some ideological, religious or political objective." The principal focus is on nonstate actors. The task was to identify and analyze the scientific and professional social science literature pertaining to the psychological and/or behavioral dimensions of terrorist behavior (not on victimization or effects). The objectives were to explore what questions pertaining to terrorist groups and behavior had been asked by social science researchers; to identify the main findings from that research; and attempt to distill and summarize them within a framework of operationally relevant questions. To identify the relevant social science literature, the author began by searching a series of major academic databases using a systematic, iterative keyword strategy, mapping, where possible, onto existing subject headings. The focus was on locating professional social science literature published in major books or in peer-reviewed journals. Searches were conducted of the following databases October 2003: Sociofile/Sociological Abstracts, Criminal Justice Abstracts (CJ Abstracts), Criminal Justice Periodical Index (CJPI), National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts (NCJRS), PsycInfo, Medline, and Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS). Three types of annotations were provided for works in this bibliography: Author's Abstract -- this is the abstract of the work as provided (and often published) by the author; Editor's Annotation -- this is an annotation written by the editor of this bibliography; and Key Quote Summary -- this is an annotation composed of "key quotes" from the original work, edited to provide a cogent overview of its main points.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
In compiling this annotated bibliography on the psychology of terrorism, the author has defined terrorism as "acts of violence intentionally perpetrated on civilian noncombatants with the goal of furthering some ideological, religious or political objective." The principal focus is on nonstate actors. The task was to identify and analyze the scientific and professional social science literature pertaining to the psychological and/or behavioral dimensions of terrorist behavior (not on victimization or effects). The objectives were to explore what questions pertaining to terrorist groups and behavior had been asked by social science researchers; to identify the main findings from that research; and attempt to distill and summarize them within a framework of operationally relevant questions. To identify the relevant social science literature, the author began by searching a series of major academic databases using a systematic, iterative keyword strategy, mapping, where possible, onto existing subject headings. The focus was on locating professional social science literature published in major books or in peer-reviewed journals. Searches were conducted of the following databases October 2003: Sociofile/Sociological Abstracts, Criminal Justice Abstracts (CJ Abstracts), Criminal Justice Periodical Index (CJPI), National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts (NCJRS), PsycInfo, Medline, and Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS). Three types of annotations were provided for works in this bibliography: Author's Abstract -- this is the abstract of the work as provided (and often published) by the author; Editor's Annotation -- this is an annotation written by the editor of this bibliography; and Key Quote Summary -- this is an annotation composed of "key quotes" from the original work, edited to provide a cogent overview of its main points.
War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning
Author: Chris Hedges
Publisher: PublicAffairs
ISBN: 1610395107
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
General George S. Patton famously said, "Compared to war all other forms of human endeavor shrink to insignificance. God, I do love it so!" Though Patton was a notoriously single-minded general, it is nonetheless a sad fact that war gives meaning to many lives, a fact with which we have become familiar now that America is once again engaged in a military conflict. War is an enticing elixir. It gives us purpose, resolve, a cause. It allows us to be noble. Chris Hedges of The New York Times has seen war up close -- in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central America -- and he has been troubled by what he has seen: friends, enemies, colleagues, and strangers intoxicated and even addicted to war's heady brew. In War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, he tackles the ugly truths about humanity's love affair with war, offering a sophisticated, nuanced, intelligent meditation on the subject that is also gritty, powerful, and unforgettable.
Publisher: PublicAffairs
ISBN: 1610395107
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
General George S. Patton famously said, "Compared to war all other forms of human endeavor shrink to insignificance. God, I do love it so!" Though Patton was a notoriously single-minded general, it is nonetheless a sad fact that war gives meaning to many lives, a fact with which we have become familiar now that America is once again engaged in a military conflict. War is an enticing elixir. It gives us purpose, resolve, a cause. It allows us to be noble. Chris Hedges of The New York Times has seen war up close -- in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central America -- and he has been troubled by what he has seen: friends, enemies, colleagues, and strangers intoxicated and even addicted to war's heady brew. In War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, he tackles the ugly truths about humanity's love affair with war, offering a sophisticated, nuanced, intelligent meditation on the subject that is also gritty, powerful, and unforgettable.
Anatomy of Terror: From the Death of bin Laden to the Rise of the Islamic State
Author: Ali Soufan
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 039324203X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 191
Book Description
"Anyone who wants to understand the world we live in now should read this book." —Lawrence Wright To eliminate the scourge of terrorism, we must first know who the enemy actually is, and what his motivations are. In Anatomy of Terror, former FBI special agent and New York Times best-selling author Ali Soufan dissects Osama bin Laden’s brand of jihadi terrorism and its major offshoots, revealing how these organizations were formed, how they operate, their strengths, and—crucially—their weaknesses. This riveting account examines the new Islamic radicalism through the stories of its flag-bearers, including a U.S. Air Force colonel who once served Saddam Hussein, a provincial bookworm who declared himself caliph of all Muslims, and bin Laden’s own beloved son Hamza, a prime candidate to lead the organization his late father founded. Anatomy of Terror lays bare the psychology and inner workings of al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and their spawn, and shows how the spread of terror can be stopped. Winner of the Airey Neave Memorial Book Prize
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 039324203X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 191
Book Description
"Anyone who wants to understand the world we live in now should read this book." —Lawrence Wright To eliminate the scourge of terrorism, we must first know who the enemy actually is, and what his motivations are. In Anatomy of Terror, former FBI special agent and New York Times best-selling author Ali Soufan dissects Osama bin Laden’s brand of jihadi terrorism and its major offshoots, revealing how these organizations were formed, how they operate, their strengths, and—crucially—their weaknesses. This riveting account examines the new Islamic radicalism through the stories of its flag-bearers, including a U.S. Air Force colonel who once served Saddam Hussein, a provincial bookworm who declared himself caliph of all Muslims, and bin Laden’s own beloved son Hamza, a prime candidate to lead the organization his late father founded. Anatomy of Terror lays bare the psychology and inner workings of al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and their spawn, and shows how the spread of terror can be stopped. Winner of the Airey Neave Memorial Book Prize
Thomas Szasz
Author: C. V. Haldipur
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192543229
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 350
Book Description
Thomas Szasz wrote over thirty books and several hundred articles, replete with mordant criticism of psychiatry, in both scientific and popular periodicals. His works made him arguably one of the world's most recognized psychiatrists, albeit one of the most controversial. These writings have been translated into several languages and have earned him a worldwide following. Szasz was a man of towering intellect, sweeping historical knowledge, and deep-rooted, mostly libertarian, philosophical beliefs. He wrote with a lucid and acerbic wit, but usually in a way that is accessible to general readers. His books cautioned against the indiscriminate power of psychiatry in courts and in society, and against the apparent rush to medicalize all human folly. They have spawned an eponymous ideology that has influenced, to various degrees, laws relating to mental health in several countries and states. This book critically examines the legacy of Thomas Szasz - a man who challenged the very concept of mental illness and questioned several practices of psychiatrists. The book surveys his many contributions including those in psychoanalysis, which are very often overlooked by his critics. While admiring his seminal contribution to the debate, the book will also point to some of his assertions that merit closer scrutiny. Contributors to the book are drawn from various disciplines, including Psychiatry, Philosophy and Law; and are from various countries including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Some contributors knew Thomas Szasz personally and spent many hours with him discussing issues he raised in his books and articles. The book will be fascinating reading for anyone interested in matters of mental health, human rights, and ethics.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192543229
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 350
Book Description
Thomas Szasz wrote over thirty books and several hundred articles, replete with mordant criticism of psychiatry, in both scientific and popular periodicals. His works made him arguably one of the world's most recognized psychiatrists, albeit one of the most controversial. These writings have been translated into several languages and have earned him a worldwide following. Szasz was a man of towering intellect, sweeping historical knowledge, and deep-rooted, mostly libertarian, philosophical beliefs. He wrote with a lucid and acerbic wit, but usually in a way that is accessible to general readers. His books cautioned against the indiscriminate power of psychiatry in courts and in society, and against the apparent rush to medicalize all human folly. They have spawned an eponymous ideology that has influenced, to various degrees, laws relating to mental health in several countries and states. This book critically examines the legacy of Thomas Szasz - a man who challenged the very concept of mental illness and questioned several practices of psychiatrists. The book surveys his many contributions including those in psychoanalysis, which are very often overlooked by his critics. While admiring his seminal contribution to the debate, the book will also point to some of his assertions that merit closer scrutiny. Contributors to the book are drawn from various disciplines, including Psychiatry, Philosophy and Law; and are from various countries including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Some contributors knew Thomas Szasz personally and spent many hours with him discussing issues he raised in his books and articles. The book will be fascinating reading for anyone interested in matters of mental health, human rights, and ethics.