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In this unique exploration of Nietzsche's life and behavior, Dr. Richard Schain challenges the widely held view that this important philosopher's actions and erratic writings were due to general paresis, or syphilis of the brain. The author offers a detailed biography of Nietzsche's life, at each major turning point offering his own thoughts regarding why the diagnosis of syphilis is unsatisfactory to explain Nietszche's behavioral and thought patterns. With an accessible writing style and close attention to detail, Schain offers important reasons for one to reevaluate the claims made regarding Nietzsche's mental illness.
Schain also explores another common diagnosis, namely, that of schizophrenia. While this diagnosis, seems more plausible than that of general paresis, it is still inadequate to fully explain the aberrant behavior and eventual mental deterioration of one of the leading Western philosophers of our time. By examining Nietzsche's life and challenging the medical opinions of the time, Schain lays the foundation for rigorous reexamination of the diagnoses of both general paresis and schizophrenia as causes for Nietzsche's actions, thoughts, and philosophies.
List of contents
Preface
Background
Early Years
University Student
Basel Professor
Homeless Philosopher
Breakdown in Turin
Asylum Inmate
Descent into Apathy
Dementia Paralytica versus Dementia Praecox
Controversies over Diagnosis
"Six-Seventh Blind"
What Caused Nietzche's Breakdown?
Nietzche's Legacy
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
About the author
RICHARD SCHAIN is currently a neurological consultant at a California State Hospital. He was formerly Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of Nebraska and Head of the Division of Child Neurology at the University of California, Los Angeles. He has published numerous articles, chapters, and books, including Neurology of Childhood Learning Disorders, Affirmations of Reality, and Philosophical Artwork.
Summary
In this unique exploration of Nietzsche's life and behavior, Dr. Richard Schain challenges the widely held view that this important philosopher's actions and erratic writings were due to general paresis, or syphilis of the brain.
