Alexandre Billon - Depersonalization derealization disorder: the philosophical take home message

Alexandre Billon (Université de Lille)

The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to join us for our Lunch Time Talk. Attend in person at 1117 Cathedral of Learning or visit our live stream on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.

LTT: Alexandre Billon

Tuesday, February 11th @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST 

Title: Depersonalization derealization disorder: the philosophical take home message

Abstract:

Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by a profound sense of alienation from oneself and the world. Individuals with DDD may experience a detachment from their body, actions, and sense of self (depersonalization), a feeling of unreality in their surroundings (derealization), and even a distorted perception of time (detemporalization). This intriguing disorder, with its potential to illuminate the nature of selfhood, time, and reality, has captivated philosophers since its recognition in the late 19th century, drawing the attention of luminaries such as Bergson, Sartre, Dilthey, and Merleau-Ponty.  However, much of the philosophical discourse surrounding DDD has been fragmented and lacking empirical grounding. This presentation aims to offer a unified and empirically informed account of the philosophical insights gleaned from DDD. I will propose that DDD can be broadly understood as a disruption of subjective perspective, and, perhaps surprisingly, that it offers a unique opportunity to, at least partially, vindicate the very nature of subjective experience.

This talk will also be available live streamed on:

Zoom: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/91379267711

YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.