Conclusion: Pathways to reconciliation

Abstract

Chapter 11, “Conclusion: Pathways to reconciliation,” outlines two pathways to reconciliation based on the arguments of the book. The first pathway is for reconciling skeptics and supporters of Mad activism (respectively, those who unconditionally reject and those who unconditionally accept the claims and demands of Mad activism). This is achieved by addressing two key points that divide skeptics and supporters: the first pertains to the possibility for madness to constitute grounds for identity, and the second pertains to the scope of Mad activism. The second pathway is for reconciling madness and society. The chapter summarizes the arguments for the normative force of the demand for recognition of Mad identity, and outlines a framework for responding to this demand.