the philosopy of insanity

Princess Ivy · 08-07-2005, 12:50 AM

ok, so what consititues insanity? what makes someone sane? is it their behaviour? is it how they relate to the established norms of western society? but what of other societies? or is it just a total inability to connect things logically in our minds?

Alexa · 08-07-2005, 02:08 AM

Well, we can be temporarily insane when we are in love. :smilie:

Some crimes are justified in court as "temporary insanity" to get away from prison. Very difficult to accept it, depending on the case.

Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".

Friedrich Nietzsche said: "Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule."

I agree with Einstein and I disagree with Nietzsche.

Princess Ivy · 08-07-2005, 02:25 AM

thats a good 'people are strange' definition. but true insanity is, i think so much more than that. for me it is just a complete and utter lack of logic

Alexa · 08-07-2005, 02:44 AM

What do you think in this case of autists ? Some of them can be really brilliant in maths for example, but unable to have a social life.

No, it's more than a lack of logic. It's a menthal disorder, very difficult to understand and presently without cure. Once the neurons from the brain are distroyed, the person dies.

08-07-2005, 07:21 AM

Is is it just me or is it strange that its a legal category/definition yet not a medical one?

The term insanity has become outdated as the mental health/ psychology field changes, in some ways we can now better diagnose and describe a mental illness rather than just clumping every one together as either retarded in one group and insane in another. Maybe a bit skeptical of me, but in other ways we have simply changed terms without the change in actions. I haven't got it with me at the moment but there's a part towards the end of 'Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes where the character Charlie describes it well.

But I am getting off topic. What constitutes insanity? I originally typed* " a breakdown of an individuals ability to reconcile outside stimulus with their internal thinking." But then is a person with no outside stimulus ie. blind/deaf, unable to feel, smell or communicate able to be insane. Without knowing I'd guess yes, so if its purely an internal infliction within the mind. then maybe its a state of being unable to be content, at peace or at rest within one's own mind?

One last point, by 'unable' I don't mean being stressed or depressed as a result of something but being completely unable to find your way back to some sense of balance within yourself.

Ok I do ramble alot.

Alexa · 08-07-2005, 01:59 PM

The problem is they couldn't find out all the causes of the mental illness. Many psychologists attribute mental illness to organic/neurochemical causes that can be treated with psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments and other supportive measures. I'm afraid we are still newbies understanding the chemistry of our own brain. Maybe psycologists will know better the day when the DNA will have no secrets left. I'm thinking of those hereditary mental illness. On the other hand, people can loose their mind after a traumatical experience.

Princess Ivy · 08-07-2005, 08:48 PM

a few disorders have been linked ot physical problems in the brain. and often insanity runs in families and a genetic link is suspected. i don't know, which is why i'm going to study it further.

Alexa · 08-07-2005, 10:51 PM

Hmm, psychologists don't know better. There are many enigmas about the chemistry of the brain.

Princess Ivy · 08-07-2005, 11:29 PM

and although there is so much evidence of a biological link, they can't find it on the brain scans in so many cases.

Alexa · 08-07-2005, 11:58 PM

You know, Canada has a very bad history about the treatment with electrochocks. And the same message forced by a cassette direct into the brain of the patient. I forgot the name of the doctor, but even CIA had participated in the funding of the treatment. Of course, they stepped back when the situation got worse. Let me digg a little and I'll give you more details.

I understand your interest. You are not the only one. We have so much to learn about our brain. We usually use only 3 % of it, as per my knowledge. I believe this is more important, even than the exploration of the outer space.

The brain scans are useless, unless for a tumor detection.