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Harris Diss Final.pdf (999.29 KB)

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Reconceptualizing Rhetorics of Madness: A Theory of Neurodiversity

Harris, Patrick
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8594-3208
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1500394152345408

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, English.
This work outlines the case for destigmatizing madness, especially within the academy. The censoring of the mad that occurs in present-day United States society is a social justice issue that must be remedied. The supposed origin of this censoring is explored through rhetorical texts both antique and contemporary, and an argument is made that the way forward is through expression of madness in scholarship and pedagogy. Power structures that will resist such a move are outlined, and a case is made for the use of deliberate rhetorical positioning to provide “cover” for those who wish to express their madness in their publications. As evidence, an “OCD analysis” is outlined and then performed on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual that serves as the primary diagnostic tool of the American Psychiatric Association. The analysis argues that this work is in and of itself an assertion of social power, and reveals several places where the work is vulnerable to criticism, despite attempts to position it as unassailable authority. Finally, the results of a study are discussed; the study consisted of interviews with 11 self-identified mad scholars, seeking to determine how they function within the boundaries of academic life and what might be changed to further their participation. In the end, a call for solidarity with neurotypical scholars is issued for the improvement of all.
Jason Palmeri, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Tim Lockridge, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Madelyn Detloff, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Stephen Quaye, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
158 p.
Mental Health; Rhetoric
madness; neurodiversity; rhetoric; madness studies; disability studies; disability; mental health; mental illness; mental disability; social justice

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Harris, P. (2017). Reconceptualizing Rhetorics of Madness: A Theory of Neurodiversity [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1500394152345408

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Harris, Patrick. Reconceptualizing Rhetorics of Madness: A Theory of Neurodiversity. 2017. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1500394152345408.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Harris, Patrick. "Reconceptualizing Rhetorics of Madness: A Theory of Neurodiversity." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1500394152345408

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1500394152345408
237
© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.