Misdiagnosis Theory – Overview
Misdiagnosis Theory is a lens for viewing the world. It seeks to be comparable to Queer Theory, Feminist Theory, Marxist Theory, Postructuralism / deconstruction, Structuralism and other such literary and philosophical theories and modalities that offer broad and explanatory power by building upon while also rubbing up against what came before.
A Misdiagnosis Theorist may disagree with a Queer Theorist or Structuralist Theorist or other theorist on specific points. In the view of Misdiagnosis Theorist, however, it is important to establish that their queer theorizing or structuralist theorizing friend is not insane or mad or deserving of inappropriate, sedative, or coercive treatment for the sake of holding differing views or different values, and neither is their marxist or even structuralist friend.
Misdiagnosis Theory aims to exist as a positive and living theory representing misdiagnosed persons and their viewpoints in the culture. Should the worst abuses of modern psychiatry be reformed and should the ignorance of Diagnosis Theory become fully eradicated on both a popular and institutional level, there will still be a need for the study of Misdiagnosis Theory (though it’s shape may evolve) in that we will still need to properly and cogently remember these abuses and harms in such a way that they are not repeated.
Misdiagnosis Theory is a positive cultural theory, but also, for those who find it, a profoundly personal one. My Misdiagnosis Theory is not necessarily the same as your Misdiagnosis Theory. This gives great freedom, so much freedom in fact that an ignorant stranger could approach me with resentment about some intricacy in your Misdiagnosis Theory that isn’t to be found the letters of mine. But it is a risk (real conversation is often a risk) that we as fellows on the campus of Misdiagnosis Theory tolerate. Because the freedom at stake, freedom of mind, is inherent and inalienable, perhaps even more inalienable from a human being than the rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. We write this version of Misdiagnosis Theory with something of an awareness of its bookishness or at times seemingly academic tone especially as compared to much of the other writing on the internet, or reading that is popular. Some may criticize us for thereby not appearing “good and mad”, as misdiagnosed persons ought to be in the popular, or not adequately appealing to some anti-intellectual or anti-ivory-tower ideal of theirs. We write this version of Misdiagnosis Theory well aware that it of its We write in a style that is formal because it wish for our theory to last, both in the arena cultural theories and in the mind of the reader. We write hoping to appeal to your sense of intelligence as well as your sense of humor, your sense of decency as well as your (especially for those who have experienced misdiagnosis) sense of solidarity.
Next: Tenet 1 – Philosophical materialism and philosophical idealism should exist in balance
Or, explore the opposite: Diagnosis Theory – Introduction
Misdiagnosed Anonymous 