In recent years there has been a major move within psychiatry to foster a deeper understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of mental health. This new approach has drawn in equal measure on both the humanities and medicine. Essential Philosophy if Psychiatry is both an introduction to, and a summary of a rapidly growing field. It is the first concise introduction to what is a contested field, written by one of the people driving it forward. Because recent philosophy of psychiatry has drawn from moral philosophy, the philosophy of mind and language, and the philosophy of science, it is difficult to get a clear overview of the field. This book does just that. It is divided into three parts: Values, Meanings and Facts. In addition, there is a short chapter of conclusions, a glossary of philosophical terms and a guide to further reading. For anyone looking for an accessible, undaunting introduction to this field, this is the essential text.

About the Author
Tim Thornton completed his PhD on Wittgenstein and judgement in the History and Philosophy of Science Department of the University of Cambridge before becoming Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Warwick. He is now Professor of Philosophy and Mental Health in the newly established Institute for Philosophy, Diversity and Mental Health at the University of Central Lancashire.

Reviews
...a persuasive, well-argued, and original contribution to the field in its own right, and no mere primer...truly essential to all those who work, study and research in mental health, as well as those who suffer from mental illness, and their families and friends. * Mental Health Today *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199228713
Author Tim Thornton
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 233mm * 155mm * 15mm