Do delusions have and give meaning?
Rosa Ritunnano, Lisa Bortolotti
Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences August 23, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s11097-021-09764-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Delusions Creativity Cognitive psychology Sense of coherence Meaningfulness |
| Key points | Argues that delusions are meaningful, not incomprehensible representations of reality, and can help make sense of unusual experiences. Contends that some delusions can also enhance a person's sense of life's meaningfulness by supporting agency and creativity, though only temporarily and imperfectly. Suggests this view has implications for understanding psychotic symptoms and reducing psychiatric stigma. |
Abstract
Delusions are often portrayed as paradigmatic instances of incomprehensibility and meaninglessness. Here we investigate the relationship between delusions and meaning from a philosophical perspective, integrating arguments and evidence from cognitive psychology and phenomenological psychopathology. We review some of the empirical and philosophical literature relevant to two claims about delusions and meaning: (1) delusions are meaningful, despite being described as irrational and implausible beliefs; (2) some delusions can also enhance the sense that one's life is meaningful, supporting agency and creativity in some circumstances. Delusions are not incomprehensible representations of reality. Rather, they can help make sense of one's unusual experiences and in some circumstances even support one's endeavours, albeit temporarily and imperfectly. Acknowledging that delusions have meaning and can also give meaning to people's lives has implications for our understanding of psychotic symptoms and for addressing the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions.
Comparable studies
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| The phenomenology of deep brain stimulation-induced changes in OCD: an enactive affordance-based model. | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- The lived experience of psychosis: a bottom-up review co-written by experts by experience and academics. World Psychiatry June 1, 2022
- Double bookkeeping in schizophrenia spectrum disorder: an empirical-phenomenological study. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience September 1, 2024
- Phenomenology yesterday, today, and tomorrow: a proposed phenomenological response to the double challenges of contemporary recovery-oriented person-centered mental health care Frontiers in Psychology September 21, 2023
- Restructuring insight: An integrative review of insight in problem-solving, meditation, psychotherapy, delusions and psychedelics November 26, 2021
- Sensed Presence, Attenuated Psychosis, and Transliminality: At the Threshold of Consciousness. Psychopathology 2023
and 10 more in the library
Cites 7
- Self, Solipsism, and Schizophrenic Delusions Philosophy, psychiatry & psychology June 1, 2001
- Understanding the Blind Spots of Psychosis: A Wittgensteinian and First-Person Approach Psychopathology 2018
- Three Dangers: Phenomenological Reflections on the Psychotherapy of Psychosis. Psychopathology 2019
- Varieties of Self Disorder: A Bio-Pheno-Social Model of Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin June 1, 2018
- The paradoxical self: Awareness, solipsism and first-rank symptoms in schizophrenia February 17, 2018
and 2 more in the library