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I understand deep depression intimately, yet disagree that it's grounds to infantilize another human. So what about other mental illnesses? Dementia? Schizop

by zzalpha 11y ago

I understand deep depression intimately, yet disagree that it's grounds to infantilize another human. So what about other mental illnesses? Dementia? Schizophrenia? Is it your position that, regardless of the mental state of the individual, their personal decisions should be paramount, no matter the cost, including their own life? If so, then we'll have to agree to disagree. There are many many contexts in which we, as a society, determine that someone is mentally unfit to make decisions, and then treat them differently, whether that be a schizophrenic who is given a different sentence in a trial, a person delirious on pain medication unable to sign a legal contract, or a minor who is denied the right to vote. If you disagree with that basic principle, you disagree with one of the fundamental tenants of the society in which you live. Of course, you're free to feel that way, but don't be surprised if others don't share your views.

hirundo 11y ago
> There are many many contexts in which we, as a society, determine that someone is mentally unfit to make decisions And in many of those contexts those determinations are routinely unjustified, and have resulted in massive institutionalized civil rights violations over generations. You can read Thomas Szasz for heartbreaking details (e.g. http://www.amazon.com/Manufacture-Madness-Comparative-Inquisition-Movement/dp/0815604610 http://www.amazon.com/Manufacture-Madness-Comparative-Inquis...). Hopefully someday we can look back on such policies with similar horror to how we now see 17th century Bedlam. Instead of using them as arguments for further authoritarianism.
- zzalpha 11y ago
  And in many of those contexts those determinations are routinely unjustified And many contexts where they are. And 'round and 'round we go... But, I think you answered my question, however indirectly: you believe all such rules/laws/whatever are unjustified. I believe that's madness, but hey, we'll agree to disagree. Have a nice day! And I wish you luck with your depression, it really is a constant challenge (my wife struggles with it, so while I can't speak from direct experience, I have an enormous amount of sympathy).

by zzalpha 11y ago

hirundo 11y ago

> There are many many contexts in which we, as a society, determine that someone is mentally unfit to make decisions And in many of those contexts those determinations are routinely unjustified, and have resulted in massive institutionalized civil rights violations over generations. You can read Thomas Szasz for heartbreaking details (e.g. http://www.amazon.com/Manufacture-Madness-Comparative-Inquisition-Movement/dp/0815604610 http://www.amazon.com/Manufacture-Madness-Comparative-Inquis...). Hopefully someday we can look back on such policies with similar horror to how we now see 17th century Bedlam. Instead of using them as arguments for further authoritarianism.

zzalpha 11y ago
And in many of those contexts those determinations are routinely unjustified And many contexts where they are. And 'round and 'round we go... But, I think you answered my question, however indirectly: you believe all such rules/laws/whatever are unjustified. I believe that's madness, but hey, we'll agree to disagree. Have a nice day! And I wish you luck with your depression, it really is a constant challenge (my wife struggles with it, so while I can't speak from direct experience, I have an enormous amount of sympathy).