The distinction between MEDICINE and CRIME is an extremely important one.
It has been blurred now for centuries, mainly due to the pseudo-science of "Psychiatry".
Crime is no more the concern of Medicine than any behaviour.
Discodancing, for example, is neither a disease nor a crime - though some may think that it falls within the ambit of "crime". :)
Consequently, a disco dancer is neither in need of a doctor nor a policeman.
As soon as we allow the most heinous crimes to be regarded as "symptoms" of illnesses - or as illnesses themselves - like the common cold - then we are in trouble. To put it mildly.
As soon as we impute the views of those we disagree with to supposed non-proven illnesses we are seriously compromising our political and legal systems as well as the whole of science.
Yes, it is that vital a distinction.
Szasz of course has written extensively on issues like this.
We are already - even within the crime that is "psychiatry" itself - often treating people for crimes and punishing people for "illnesses".
Things like that are undoubtedly illogical.
The way forward is humbly to try to stick to logic.
If there is ANY crime then there may be punishment etc.
If there is SURELY NO ILLNESS there can be no treatment.
Our society already knows that it constantly breaches and marrs that logic.
It justifies that with pragmatism. But this is not really a good idea! Nor is it necessary!
It has been blurred now for centuries, mainly due to the pseudo-science of "Psychiatry".
Crime is no more the concern of Medicine than any behaviour.
Discodancing, for example, is neither a disease nor a crime - though some may think that it falls within the ambit of "crime". :)
Consequently, a disco dancer is neither in need of a doctor nor a policeman.
As soon as we allow the most heinous crimes to be regarded as "symptoms" of illnesses - or as illnesses themselves - like the common cold - then we are in trouble. To put it mildly.
As soon as we impute the views of those we disagree with to supposed non-proven illnesses we are seriously compromising our political and legal systems as well as the whole of science.
Yes, it is that vital a distinction.
Szasz of course has written extensively on issues like this.
We are already - even within the crime that is "psychiatry" itself - often treating people for crimes and punishing people for "illnesses".
Things like that are undoubtedly illogical.
The way forward is humbly to try to stick to logic.
If there is ANY crime then there may be punishment etc.
If there is SURELY NO ILLNESS there can be no treatment.
Our society already knows that it constantly breaches and marrs that logic.
It justifies that with pragmatism. But this is not really a good idea! Nor is it necessary!
