Why Delusions Matter by Professor Lisa Bortolotti
Get the book: https://amzn.to/3PduwFP
When we talk about delusions we may refer to symptoms of mental health problems, such as clinical delusions in schizophrenia, or simply the beliefs that people cling to which are implausible and resistant to counterevidence; these can include anything from beliefs about the benefits of homeopathy to concerns about the threat of alien abduction.
Why do people adopt delusional beliefs and why are they so reluctant to part with them? In Why Delusions Matter, Lisa Bortolotti explains what delusions really are and argues that, despite their negative reputation, they can also play a positive role in people’s lives, imposing some meaning on adverse experiences and strengthening personal or social identities. In a clear and accessible style, Bortolotti contributes to the growing research on the philosophy of the cognitive sciences, offering a novel and nuanced view of delusions.
Here are some notable quotes from Why Delusions Matter by Lisa Bortolotti:
* “Delusions are not mere mistakes; they are meaningful attempts to make sense of our experiences in a world that often defies comprehension.”
* “Even the most irrational beliefs can reveal profound truths about our desires, fears, and the way we see ourselves in the world.”
* “To dismiss delusions outright is to overlook their capacity to help people cope with uncertainty, trauma, and the complexities of existence.”
* “To understand delusions, we must first suspend judgment and embrace curiosity, seeing them as part of the human experience rather than as mere pathology.”
* “The line between genius and delusion is often thinner than we think; many breakthroughs emerge from the willingness to entertain the improbable.”
* “We all harbor delusions, whether we call them dreams, hopes, or aspirations. They are the threads that connect us to a deeper sense of purpose.”
* “Delusions are not obstacles to be eradicated but signals to be understood, guiding us toward growth and self-discovery.”
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