Thomas Szasz Model Crazy Behavior

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In the powerpoint for the class has been presented with two models of "Crazy " Behavior. One is the model of the criminal justice system in which the behaviors are judged voluntary, and the person who behaves in a crazy way is "sentenced" In this model society is protected from the most severe consequences of "Crazy Behavior such as violence.
The other model is a mental health system in which "crazy behavior is seen as unwilled and the person is seen as not (legally) responsible for the behavior. The person in treated for the behavior.
In both systems, the person who exhibits certain "Crazy" behaviors is locked up and placed under the control of an authority, either medical or legal.
I believe that there are "Crazy Behaviors " can be caused …show more content…

I have read several of his books and I appreciated the update on some of the opinions he has about managed care. He says that he believes that there are brain diseases , but if all of the causes for "crazy behavior" could be seen as being caused by brain disease, there would be no need for psychiatry. As indicated in Wyatt 2004, The Journal of Humanistic Psychology Thomas Szasz: Liberty and The Practice of Psychotherapy in interview material with Dr. Szasz he has maintained his commitment to freedom and liberty with a passion for social justice. My understanding of " Crazy" behavior is much more aligned to this "Libertarian " position which seems to me to be a hybrid of the two systems. Behaviors are not voluntary except when caused by verifyable medical problems. People are responsible for their behaviors and should be free to get help with behaviors or problems of living if they choose. Help should not be imposed in a coercive manner and help is not a substitute for just and legal control over behaviors that hurt

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