Madness in Civilization: Summary Review
This is a summary review of Madness in Civilization containing key details about the book.
What is Madness in Civilization About?
"Madness in Civilization: A Cultural History of Insanity, from the Bible to Freud, from the Madhouse to Modern Medicine" is a non-fiction book written by Andrew Scull. The book provides a comprehensive history of the cultural, social, and medical approaches to madness and insanity from ancient times to the present day.
The loss of reason, a sense of alienation from the commonsense world we all like to imagine we inhabit, the shattering emotional turmoil that seizes hold and won't let go—these are some of the traits we associate with madness. Today, mental disturbance is most commonly viewed through a medical lens, but societies have also sought to make sense of it through religion or the supernatural, or by constructing psychological or social explanations in an effort to tame the demons of unreason. Madness in Civilization traces the long and complex history of this affliction and our attempts to treat it.
Summary Points & Takeaways from Madness in Civilization
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* The changing attitudes towards madness: Scull traces the history of attitudes towards madness, showing how they have evolved over time and across different cultures. He argues that the understanding of madness and insanity has been shaped by cultural, religious, and scientific beliefs and attitudes.
* The role of religion: The author argues that religion played a major role in the understanding and treatment of madness in ancient times. He shows how the Bible and other religious texts influenced the perception of madness and provided a framework for treatment.
* The medicalization of madness: Scull shows how the medicalization of madness developed over time and argues that the rise of medicine as a profession was a key factor in the changing perception of madness. He also examines the impact of the medicalization of madness on the development of psychiatry and mental institutions.
* The history of mental institutions: The author provides a comprehensive history of mental institutions, from their earliest forms in the Middle Ages to the modern day. He argues that the history of mental institutions is closely tied to the history of madness and insanity and shows how they have been used as a means of control and discipline.
* The influence of psychology and psychoanalysis: The author explores the influence of psychology and psychoanalysis on the understanding and treatment of madness and argues that they have had a major impact on the development of psychiatry. He also examines the limitations of these approaches and the criticisms they have faced.
* The current state of mental health care: Scull examines the current state of mental health care and argues that it is still limited in its ability to effectively treat madness and insanity. He argues that more needs to be done to address the social, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to mental illness.
* Overall, "Madness in Civilization" is a comprehensive and insightful history of the cultural and medical approaches to madness and insanity. The book provides a valuable perspective on the changing attitudes towards mental illness and the evolution of mental health care.
Who is the author of Madness in Civilization?
Andrew Scull is Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Science Studies at the University of California, San Diego. He is the author of Masters of Bedlam: The Transformation of the Mad-Doctoring Trade (Princeton).
Book details
- Print length: 448 pages
- Genre: History, Nonfiction, Psychology
What are the chapters in Madness in Civilization?
Chapter 1 CONFRONTING MADNESS
Chapter 2 MADNESS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
Chapter 3 THE DARKNESS AND THE DAWN
Chapter 4 MELANCHOLIE AND MADNESSE
Chapter 5 MADHOUSES AND MAD-DOCTORS
Chapter 6 NERVES AND NERVOUSNESS
Chapter 7 THE GREAT CONFINEMENT
Chapter 8 DEGENERATION AND DESPAIR
Chapter 9 THE DEMI-FOUS
Chapter 10 DESPERATE REMEDIES
Chapter 11 A MEANINGFUL INTERLUDE
Chapter 12 A PSYCHIATRIC REVOLUTION?
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "This dynamic, readable chronicle and excellent reference includes 100-plus well-chosen illustrations, a number of which are in color. VERDICT Essential for most libraries, this is a gift to lay readers as well as psychologists, sociologists, and historians." — E. James Lieberman, George Washington Univ. Sch. of Medicine, Washington, DC
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in enhancing your personal growth, I suggest checking out my list of favorite self-development books. These books have been instrumental in my own personal development and I'm confident they can help you too.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
