Autonomy and Mental Disorder

Edited by Lubomira Radoilska

International Perspectives in Philosophy and Psychiatry

Presents new research on autonomy with reference to mental disorder
Offers a comprehensive and systematic discussion of central concepts in three major disciplines: philosophy, psychiatry, and law
Guides the reader in topical debates of considerable complexity, and clarifies the underlying connections between these debates
Promotes constructive dialogue across disciplines
Provides useful conceptual clarifications with reference to specific case studies, to aid understanding of intricate conceptual distinctions

Autonomy and Mental Disorder

Edited by Lubomira Radoilska

International Perspectives in Philosophy and Psychiatry

Description

Autonomy is a fundamental though contested concept. For instance, most of us place great value on the opportunity to make our own decisions and to be able to lead a life of our own choosing. Yet there is stark disagreement on what is involved in being able to decide autonomously, as well as how important this is compared with other commitments. For example, the success of every group project requires that group members make decisions about the project collectively rather than each on their own. This disagreement notwithstanding, mental disorder is routinely assumed to put a strain on autonomy. However, it is unclear whether this is effectively the case and, if so, whether this is due to the nature of mental disorder or of the social stigma that is often attached to it.

Autonomy and Mental Disorder is the first exploration of the nature and value of autonomy with reference to mental disorder. By reflecting on instances of mental disorder where autonomy is apparently compromised, it offers a systematic discussion of the underlying presuppositions of the present autonomy debates. In so doing, it helps address different kinds of emerging scepticism questioning either the appeal of autonomy as a concept or its relevance to specific areas of normative ethics, including psychiatric ethics.

Written by leading figures in philosophy and psychiatry, Autonomy and Mental Disorder will appeal to a wide range of readers in these and related disciplines.

Autonomy and Mental Disorder

Edited by Lubomira Radoilska

International Perspectives in Philosophy and Psychiatry

Introduction: personal autonomy, decisional capacity, and mental disorder, Lubomira Radoilska
Part I: Mapping the conceptual landscape
1. Mental disorder and the value(s) of 'autonomy', Jane Heal
2. Autonomy and neuroscience, Alfred Mele
3. Three challenges from delusion for theories of autonomy, K.W.M.Fulford and Lubomira Radoilska
Part II: Autonomy in light of mental disorder
4. Does mental disorder involve loss of personal autonomy?, Derek Bolton and Natalie Banner
5. Rationality and self-knowledge in delusion and confabulation: implications for autonomy as self-governance, Lisa Bortolotti, Rochelle Cox, Matthew Broome, and Matteo Mameli
6. Privacy and patient autonomy in mental health care, Jennifer Radden
Part III: Rethinking capacity and respect for autonomy
7. Clarifying capacity: value and reasons, Jules Holroyd
8. Conceptions of the good and the Mental Capacity Act, Elizabeth Fistein
9. Autonomy, value, and the first person, Hallvard Lillehammer
Part IV: Emerging alternatives
10. Autonomy, practical rationality, and moral deliberation, Guy Widdershoven and Tineke Abma
11. How do I learn to be me again? Autonomy, life skills, and identity, Grant Gillett
12. Autonomy and Ulysses arrangements, Lubomira Radoilska

Autonomy and Mental Disorder

Edited by Lubomira Radoilska

International Perspectives in Philosophy and Psychiatry

Author Information

Dr Radoilska's areas of expertise include moral and political philosophy, and philosophy of psychiatry. She holds a doctorate in philosophy from Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), Paris. Since 2003, she has held the following positions at the University of Cambridge: Research Fellow at Clare Hall, Director of Studies at New Hall and Downing College, and Wellcome Trust Fellow at the Faculty of Philosophy, where she is currently an Affiliated Lecturer. Lubomira is the author of 'Aristotle and the Moral Philosophy of Today' (PUF, 2007) which was published with the support of the French Ministry of Culture (award by "Centre National du Livre"), and of many articles in moral and political philosophy.

Contributors:

Tineke Abma, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Natalie Banner, King's College London, UK
Derek Bolton, King's College London, UK
Lisa Bortolotti, University of Birmingham, UK
Matthew Broome, University of Warwick, UK
Rochelle Cox, Macquarie University, Australia
Elizabeth Fistein, University of Cambridge, UK
Bill Fulford, University of Warwick, UK
Grant Gillett, University of Otago, New Zealand
Jane Heal, University of Cambridge, UK
Jules Holroyd, University of Nottingham, UK
Hallvard Lillehammer, University of Cambridge, UK
Matteo Mameli, King's College London, UK
Alfred R, Mele, Florida State University, USA
Jennifer Radden, University of Massachusetts, USA
Lubomira Radoilska, University of Cambridge, UK
Guy A.M. Widdershoven, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands