The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Pain

An outstanding reference source to the key topics, problems and debates in this exciting and interdisciplinary subject and is the first collection of its kind. Essential reading for students and researchers in philosophy of mind, philosophy of psychology and ethics.

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The phenomenon of pain presents problems and puzzles for philosophers who want to understand its nature. Though pain might seem simple, there has been disagreement since Aristotle about whether pain is an emotion, sensation, perception, or disturbed state of the body. Despite advances in psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, pain is still poorly understood and multiple theories of pain abound.



The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Pain is an outstanding reference source to the key topics, problems, and debates in this exciting and interdisciplinary subject and is the first collection of its kind. Comprising over thirty chapters by a team of international contributors the Handbook is divided into nine clear parts:








Modeling pain in philosophy



Modeling pain in neuroscience



Modeling pain in psychology



Pain in philosophy of mind



Pain in epistemology



Pain in philosophy of religion



Pain in ethics



Pain in medicine



Pain in law






As well as fundamental topics in the philosophy of pain such as the nature, role, and value of pain, many other important topics are covered including the neurological pathways involved in pain processing; biopsychosocial and cognitive-behavioural models of pain; chronic pain; pain and non-human animals; pain and knowledge; controlled substances for pain; pain and placebo effects; and pain and physician-assisted suicide.



The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Pain is essential reading for students and researchers in philosophy of mind, philosophy of psychology and ethics. It will also be very useful to researchers of pain from any field, especially those in psychology, medicine, and health studies.