Phenomenological Reviews

Series | Book | Chapter

146730

Conclusion

Petr Kouba

pp. 193-203

Abstract

At the end, the new notion of mental illness and health is summarized. Since the revision of the daseinsanalytical approach to mental health and illness throws a new light on the overall ontological structure of human existence, it is also necessary to spell out how the post-existential analysis changes the character and the mutual relation of the authentic and inauthentic existence. One can say that the appropriate approach to suffering changes also the view on the inauthentic existence that ceases to be a mere privative modification of the authentic existence and becomes its necessary counterpart which balances the disruptive power of the openness of being. Without the inauthentic existence, the self would immediately dissipate in the chaotic openness of being. In order to exist, individual existence must thus keep balance between the authentic and inauthentic way of being. This labile balance can be compared to the way Deleuze and Guattari describe the oscillation between the schizophrenic and paranoid tendency of life. Although one should not confuse the ontological analysis with schizoanalysis, their comparison may prevent the normative usage of the authentic existence and the underestimation of all the risks connected with it.

Publication details

Published in:

Kouba Petr (2015) The phenomenon of mental disorder: perspectives of Heidegger's thought in psychopathology. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 193-203

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-10323-5_8

Full citation:

Kouba Petr (2015) Conclusion, In: The phenomenon of mental disorder, Dordrecht, Springer, 193–203.