Mad identity II: Unity and continuity of self

Chapter 8, “Mad identity II: Unity and continuity of self,” examines two objections to Mad activism. Certain mental health phenomena are considered to undermine unity and continuity of self and hence to undermine two requirements for identity formation. This chapter explores the nature and extent of these problems, and whether or not they are fatal to the claim that madness can be grounds for identity. With regard to disunity of self, the chapter investigates passivity phenomena with a focus on thought insertion. It uncovers the cultural psychological basis of judgments of disunity, and offers a more complex appraisal of passivity phenomena. With regard to discontinuity of self, the chapter investigates patterns of discontinuity in spirit possession, dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. It notes similarities and differences in these patterns, and ways of overcoming discontinuity. In pursuing this, the chapter engages with key arguments by Jennifer Radden and Christine Korsgaard.