Philosophy of Trauma

Philosophical and existential perspectives on trauma.

“…The dual uses of the term are important when understanding exactly what is being referenced. Examination of these definitions reveals that trauma is not a natural category, but a socioculturally constructed classification of certain human experiences and events (Kirmayer, Lemelson, & Barad, 2007;Reuther, 2012). The shifting definition of the term trauma in diagnostic Criterion A for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reflects the consensus arrived at by the authors of the many iterations of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), starting with the DSM-III ( American Psychiatric Association, 1980), rather than reflecting the subjective experiences people encounter.…”

“…The shifting definition of the term trauma in diagnostic Criterion A for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reflects the consensus arrived at by the authors of the many iterations of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), starting with the DSM-III ( American Psychiatric Association, 1980), rather than reflecting the subjective experiences people encounter. Moreover, the term trauma can be used simultaneously to signify a natural or human-made event, an emotional reaction, a neurobiological process, and a personal cultural narrative (Reuther, 2012). Trauma is a far-reaching construct that contains diverse meanings.…”