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Explaining and Understanding in Psychopathology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Klaus P. Ebmeier
Klaus P. Ebmeier*
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, University Medical Buildings, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB9 2ZD
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Abstract

Psychoanalytical methodology has been described as causal explanation or hermeneutic understanding. This methodological dichotomy has been introduced into psychopathology by Karl Jaspers. Contemporary authors' contributions in the area are discussed. Although these authors accept a role for both methods, they agree with Jaspers that psychoanalysis should be subjected to the logical limitations of hermeneutic analysis. A logical framework for the interaction of explaining with understanding is presented and discussed in relation to psychiatric research.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 151 , Issue 6 , December 1987 , pp. 800 - 804
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1987 

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