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The Legend of Nietzsche's Syphilis
(Click to Enlarge)
Richard Schain
ISBN: 0-313-31940-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-31940-2
152 pages
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 6/30/2001
List Price: $115.00 (UK Sterling Price: £79.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Description: 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.
Table 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.
LCC Class: 616
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