The English philosopher Gilbert Ryle (1900-1976) introduced the concept of the CATEGORY ERROR.
A "category error" as according to Ryle is a semantic or ontological error in which things belonging to a particular category are presented as if they belong to a different category.
[Category Error:
He was what is known as an ordinary language philosopher, and an example of twentieth century philosophy's emphasis on language.
A "category error" as according to Ryle is a semantic or ontological error in which things belonging to a particular category are presented as if they belong to a different category.
I believe that the whole concept of "mental illness" is quite simply just such a CATEGORY ERROR, as described by Ryle.
An illness simply cannot be included in - or combined with - the category "mental". It does not and cannot belong in this category. An illness can only be included in the category "physical". It's inclusion in the category "mental" can only be metaphorical and not actual or literal. It is as simple as that. An illness cannot be mental - it can only be physical.
From this category error oceans of suffering, folly and deceit have been engendered.
Given that humans are rational and capable of behaving reasonably - it is to be hoped that this error can be rectified and its terrible results corrected.
