What is normal? What is a disorder? Often, when we interact with people who behave in ways we cannot understand, the question of defining  ‘normal’ and sane behaviour becomes apparent. Importantly, when we ourselves exhibit  thoughts and behaviours which are viewed as deviant from the commonly accepted definition of normality, we might feel helpless, judged, and inadequate. Historically, behaviours that are diagnostic of mental disorders were viewed as irrational or disruptive. However, recent breakthroughs in cognitive science can shed new light on redefining psychiatric phenomena while erasing the stigma of irrationality. What are these breakthroughs? What goes into elucidating the nature and causes of the many psychological troubles with which one can be faced? Are delusions and other kinds of thoughts really irrational?  

He is Sam Wilkinson, a senior lecturer in philosophy at the department of sociology, philosophy and anthropology at the University of Exeter in the United-Kingdom. He received his PhD at Edinburgh University and did a postdoc at Durham University on the phenomenon of hearing voices. Currently, he is visiting the Institut Jean Nicod. His work lies at the intersection of the philosophy of cognitive science and the philosophy of psychiatry. He has published papers on the topics of predictive processing approaches to studying cognition, psychosis, hallucinations, trauma, and much more.

Credits:

Interview: Tanay Katiyar and Jay Richardson

Artwork: Ella Bergru

Editing: Mathieu Fraticelli

Music: Thelma Samuel and Robin Baradel

Communication: Tanay Katiyar