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Oct 25, 2011, 04:02 PM
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Member Since: Mar 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 12,852
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VenusHalley
How does one know the difference between what is the "illness" and what is their character? I refuse to see myself as merely as dysfunct biochemical factory...
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My own belief is that we do not know for sure which is which. I believe that is true when I try to figure out myself, and, also, when I try to figure out others. Having that belief - kind of a philosophy, really - inclines me to be non-judgmental of others, and of myself, also. At the same time, I try to balance that with holding myself responsible, and others, also.
One of my favorite quotes is: "There, but for the Grace of God, go I." One could substitute "Grace" with neurochemical make-up, or character, or maybe some other things. I like the term "Grace" myself. But it all applies.
I might be getting a little incoherent.
Over a century ago, great minds debated "free-will" verses "determinism." Neither side prevailed with the most compelling argument, except in the minds of those who chose one or other outlook as being "to their taste."
We just don't know because our minds aren't equipped to KNOW - or so I believe. God, if there is one, does know. It would take divine omniscience in order to KNOW.
That's my philosophy . . . . and that is all it is.
A lot of what passes for science, e.g. psychology/psychiatry/neuropsychiatry, is, possibly, just someone else's "philosophy." Today's science is tomorrow's superstition. (At least, we know that about yesterday's science. Modern science flatters itself that it is above the mistakes of the past.)
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