In this paper I explore the ethical relation of a psychiatrist with a patient. How can a psychiatrist do justice to a patient who, as an individual human being, asks for his help? Referring to...Show moreIn this paper I explore the ethical relation of a psychiatrist with a patient. How can a psychiatrist do justice to a patient who, as an individual human being, asks for his help? Referring to Levinas’ philosophy of ethics I claim that diagnostic-psychiatrists fail to acknowledge the singularity of the patient. Recovery-psychiatrists seem to act in line with Levinas’ philosophy of ethics with his focus on singularity. However, analyzing the relation of the psychiatrist and the patient using Derrida’s philosophy of hospitality, I conclude that the recovery-psychiatrist has to accept that, while aspiring a moral relationship with the patient, is bound to use his medical knowledge as well. Knowledge that has to be evaluated constantly in the light of the appeal to do justice to alterity.Show less
