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“To see oursels as others see us”

Aubrey Lewis's insight

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Anthony S. David
Anthony S. David*
Affiliation:
GKT School of Medicine and the Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Background

This paper takes as its starting point the paper by Aubrey Lewis entitled “The psychopathology of insight” published in 1934, unreferenced.

Aims

To attempt to explore the historical antecedents and consequences of this work.

Method

Speculative review.

Results

Lewis's approach to phenomenology, contemporaneous movements in psychology and Lewis's own life and times – notably the eugenics legislation in Nazi Germany – probably shaped his conclusions. Modern concepts of insight, which emphasise neuropsychology as well as social psychology, were anticipated in Lewis's writings.

Conclusions

The concept of insight has stimulated research into difficult theoretical and practical areas such as self-awareness and treatment compliance, respectively. Concern over a patients capacity for insight has the potential to humanise psychiatry.

Type
Review Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 3 , September 1999 , pp. 210 - 216
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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