TS
Philosophy & Social Sciences

Thomas Szasz

Who

Thomas Szasz · Philosophy & Social Sciences

What

Psychiatrist and influential critic of the concept of mental illness

When

1920, Budapest, Hungary — 2012, Manlius, New York, USA

Where

Hungary · United States

Biography

Thomas Szasz is recognized among Jewish contributors to Philosophy & Social Sciences — Psychiatrist and influential critic of the concept of mental illness

How & why

Szasz was a psychiatrist and, in 'The Myth of Mental Illness' (1961), the most influential critic of the very concept of mental illness, arguing that psychiatric diagnoses medicalize problems in living and can violate individual liberty. His libertarian defense of patient autonomy shaped debates on coercive treatment. He was born into a Hungarian Jewish family and emigrated to the United States in 1938.

Sources & external links

Verify and go deeper with these external references.

Source: Jinfo.org — Jews in Psychology

Contributions & Sources

Psychiatrist and influential critic of the concept of mental illness

1920

Source: Jinfo.org — Jews in Psychology