[Delusions and imagination].
Fortschritte der Neurologie-Psychiatrie September 1995 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-996635 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that delusion is best understood through a phenomenology of imagination: as an experience of fictitious actualities that represents a psychotic person's attempt to find a sense of existence when threatened by mental illness. Proposes that imagination is the dynamic origin of delusion and hallucinations. |
Abstract
In this study delusion is regarded from the aspect of a phenomenology of imagination. Delusion as an experience of fictitious actualities is interpreted as the attempt of a psychotic person, to find a sense of existence in view of the threat by mental illness. After explaining the philosophical fundamentals, imagination is considered to be the dynamic origin of delusion and hallucinations. The discussion of psychopathological and clinical problems is followed by a demonstration of further phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches.