ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a sound and sensible multi-dimensional theory or conception of mental disorder. Not just of disorder and not just of the reference of the term “mental” in the expression “mental disorder,” but of the category of mental disorder. The very idea of a mental disorder serves numerous functions and purposes and helps to produce social and personal consequences of diverse types. Deploying the concept affects millions of people in a variety of different contexts, manners, and ways. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the brain characterized by progressive tremor, slowness of movement, and rigidity. Mental symptoms are a part of the symptom profile of this disorder in the form of failing memory, problems with concentration, and difficulties in initiating intentional or goal-directed activity. Assuming that mentality plays a key causal role in exemplary mental disorders, it is worth wondering how we should answer questions about the legitimacy of the diagnosis of a mental disorder.
