Overview

Offering a biologically-based complex theory of pain processing, inhibition and sensation, this text then uses this theory to make several arguments: psychogenic pains do not exist; a lack of knowledge about fundamental brain function prevents one from distinguishing between mental and physical causes, although the distinction remains useful; most pain talk should be eliminated from both the folk and academic communities; and that such a biological approach is useful generally for explaining disorders in pain processing. Valerie Grey Hardcastle shows how her analysis of pain can serve as a model for other psychological disorders and suggests that her project be taken as a model for the philosophical analysis of disorders in psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience.

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9780262582100

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"""For healthcare professionals and philosophers, Hardcastle challenges any tendency to rationalize away human suffering, especially when the cause is not understood. However, the challenge will prove intellectually stimulating. I hope it will improve care."" - Robert Dunlop, Times Higher Education Supplement"

The field of pain has long needed a philosopher's voice. Now it has one. C. Richard Chapman , University of Washington The field of pain has long needed a philosopher's voice. Now it hasone. C. Richard Chapman , University of Washington

The field of pain has long needed a philosopher's voice. Now it has one. --C. Richard Chapman, University of Washington

Author Information

Valerie Gray Hardcastle is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

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