Autonomy and Mental Disorder (International Perspectives in Philosophy & Psychiatry)

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. Lubomira Radoilska is Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Philosophy at Cambridge University and Research Associate of the Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at Oxford University. She is the author of Aristotle and the Moral Philosophy of Today (2007). MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict Cover 1 Contents 6 List of contributors 8 Introduction: personal autonomy, decisional capacity, and mental disorder 10 Part I: Mapping the conceptual landscape 44 1 Mental disorder and the value(s) of ‘autonomy’ 46 2 Autonomy and neuroscience 69 3 Three challenges from delusion for theories of autonomy 87 Part II: Autonomy in light of mental disorder 118 4 Does mental disorder involve loss of personal autonomy? 120 5 Rationality and self-knowledge in delusion and confabulation: implications for autonomy as self-governance 143 6 Privacy and patient autonomy in mental healthcare 166 Part III: Rethinking capacity and respect for autonomy 186 7 Clarifying capacity: value and reasons 188 8 The Mental Capacity Act and conceptions of the good 213 9 Autonomy, value, and the first person 235 Part IV: Emerging alternatives 258 10 Autonomy, dialogue, and practical rationality 260 11 How do I learn to be me again? Autonomy, life skills, and identity 276 12 Autonomy and Ulysses arrangements 295 Index 324 A 324 B 325 C 325 D 325 E 325 F 325 G 326 H 326 I 326 J 326 K 326 L 326 M 326 N 327 O 327 P 327 R 327 S 327 T 328 U 328 V 328 W 328 Z 328 Autonomy is a fundamental though contested concept. This book is the first exploration into the nature and scope of personal autonomy in mental disorder, resulting in an important new contribution to the philosophy and psychiatry literature