Reinterpreting the History of Madness in Western Philosophy: From the Age of Reason to Psychoanalysis and Personalization

• Chris Ruhupatty

  University of Indonesia, Indonesia

  Author

Madness, or unreason, has been a central theme in the history of Western Philosophy, with discussions often resolving around reason as the foundation of human existence. The evolution of this discourse has consistently engaged prominent figures such as Descartes and Freud, whose differing perspectives on the nature of human existence nonetheless contributed to a solid theoretical framework. This research article offers a reinterpretation of their theories, approaching the concept of madness through the principle of personalization. Consequently, while this article presents a distinct perspective on madness, it acknowledges certain conceptual parallels with Descartes’ and Freud’s analysis. In essence, madness is understood as a mental illness caused by severe injury within the mind-body mechanism, shaping the person’s perspective and actions toward reality. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the advancement of psychiatric medicine and cognitive sciences, broadening the framework for understanding and addressing mental health.

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