Schizophrenia: A Critical Examination

Abstract

The editors commissioned us to write a chapter that chanllenges the notion of schizophrenia, thus providing the "other" viewpoint. It seems that the admittedly provacative view taken in the preceding edition of this chapter (Carson & Sanislow, 1993) has earned that request. At once, however, we find ourselves bewildered about what that "other" might be. Are we to represent the antithesis to the prevailing biological zeitgeist of psychopathology? Is this goal to keep alive the epistemological perspectives that have been issued by those of a Szaszian stripe? Or, are we plainly missing the boat? We are, to say the least, uncomfortable with any of these possibilities. However, the mere suggestion that "schizophrenia" may not be a viable construct inspires expectations consistent with at least one of these propositions. We warn against such expectations.