

Anneli Jefferson, "Are Mental Disorders Brain Disorders?" (Routledge, 2024)
Nov 4, 2024
In this thought-provoking discussion, philosopher Anneli Jefferson addresses the contentious question of whether mental disorders are indeed brain disorders. She argues against reductionist views, emphasizing that what’s deemed dysfunctional in the brain often reflects psychological dysfunction. Jefferson critiques prevalent notions around brain disorders, exploring the implications for treatment and personal responsibility. She advocates for a more nuanced understanding that bridges psychological and physiological perspectives, unpacking the complexities of mental health.
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Brain Disorder Ambiguity
- The phrase "brain disorder" is frequently used in discussions about psychiatry, but its meaning remains unclear.
- This ambiguity poses a conceptual problem worth philosophical investigation due to its practical implications for treatment and agency.
Narrow View of Brain Disorders
- The narrow view of brain disorders, influenced by Zass, emphasizes independently identifiable brain dysfunction as the primary criteria.
- This view struggles to account for mental disorders where brain dysfunction isn't easily isolated from psychological dysfunction.
Broad View of Brain Disorders
- The broad view asserts that all mental disorders are automatically brain disorders due to the mind's dependence on the brain.
- This view offers little new scientific value and fails to differentiate between software and hardware problems in the brain.