Description
Book SynopsisLisa Bortolotti is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Birmingham (UK). She works in the philosophy of psychology and psychiatry. She is the author of
Delusions and Other Irrational Beliefs (2009), which was awarded the American Philosophical Association Biannual Book Prize,
Irrationality (2014) and
The Epistemic Innocence of Irrational Beliefs (2020).
Trade ReviewCan we understand the reasons why people believe ‘irrational’ things? Lisa Bortolotti’s new book makes a helpful contribution to this task ... her book consists of carefully considered distinctions and definitions which enable us to focus on the issues more clearly. * Process North *
Why Delusions Matter is an incredible contribution to the philosophy of delusions by the foremost scholar in the field. Bortolotti stresses the continuity of beliefs in clinical and non-clinical contexts, and how we and society should seek to understand the meaning behind delusions and to open up a space of meaning when beliefs are shared. * Matthew Broome, Director of the Institute for Mental Health and Chair in Psychiatry and Youth Mental Health, University of Birmingham, UK *
Lisa Bortolotti’s masterful book, Why Delusions Matter, not only provides a concise, current synthesis of the vast philosophical literature on delusions, but also sets out a compelling argument for her signature view that delusions can be purposeful, not pathological. * Justin Garson, Professor of Philosophy, Hunter College and The Graduate Center, USA *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Part I 1. Delusions as Investments 2. Delusions and the World 3. Delusions and Evidence 4. Delusions and Identity
Part II 5. Delusions and Dysfunction 6. Delusions and Harm 7. Delusions and Meaning 8. Delusions and Agency
Bibliography
