ABSTRACT

This book explores how the human mind works through the lens of psychological disorders, challenging many existing theoretical constructs, especially in the fields of psychology, psychiatry and philosophy of mind.

Drawing on the expertise of leading academics, the book discusses how psychopathology can be used to inform our understanding of the human mind. The book argues that studying mental disorders can deepen the understanding of psychological mechanisms such as reasoning, emotions, and beliefs alongside fundamental philosophical questions, including the nature of the self, the universal aspects of morality, and the role of rationality and normativity in human nature. By crossing different domains, this book offers a fresh perspective on the human mind based on the dialogue between philosophy, cognitive science and clinical psychology. Mental disorders discussed include schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and paranoia.

This book caters to the increasing interest in interdisciplinary approach to solving some of the problems in psychopathology. Since this book treats psychological engagement with empirically informed philosophy of mind, this book is essential reading for students and researchers of cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, and philosophy, as well as being of interest to clinicians and psychiatrists.

part 1|144 pages

Cognition in the light of psychopathology

chapter 1|15 pages

A Preliminary Step

Understanding the mental in mental disorders

chapter 3|16 pages

Reasoning and Goals

From psychopathological patients to healthy people

chapter 4|20 pages

Reasoning, Trauma, and PTSD

Insights into emotion–cognition interactions

part 2|142 pages

Psychopathology and human nature

chapter 13|10 pages

Lost in Love

Why is it so painful when romance goes wrong?