Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
[THE EPISTEMOLOGY OF PSYCHIATRY: DISPOSITIF OF KNOWLEDGE AND PROFESSIONAL WORK]
1The St. Petersburg State University, 199034, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Abstract:
The article offers systematic consideration of epistemology of psychiatry as section of medicine which examination permits to analyze dispositif of science successfully implementing conceptual theoretical constructs in everyday practice. The various versions and trends in this area are considered, from traditional history of medicine with its positive or negative models of development of psychiatry to historical epistemology and history of ideas striving to create conceptualized picture of permanent scientific revolution or explosive evolution of psychiatry. The number of key moments are marked representing crystallization points of epistemology of psychiatry as systematic form of research: 1) the question about area of knowledge that is provide space for research in this direction; 2) creation of space of reflexive thinking where internal problematization of psychiatric theory and practice will be possible, excluding development of general theory of psychiatry that is externally imposed on it as general guidelines; 3) problematization of modus of openness of psychiatry to related areas of knowledge and public practice, minimizing interference of non-professionals in professional activities of psychiatrists.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosurgery
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Structuralism
Titchener's approach to structuralism was unique. He employed introspection, a method...
Reason and Intuition
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
The Scientific Method
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
