Szasz's critiques of psychoanalysis

Thomas Szasz critiqued psychoanalysis primarily for its lack of scientific rigor and reliance on subjective interpretations. He argued that psychoanalytic concepts, like the unconscious mind, were not empirically verifiable, making them difficult to test or prove. Szasz believed that mental illness should be viewed more as a social and moral issue rather than a medical one. He emphasized personal responsibility, suggesting that labeling individuals as "mentally ill" often ignores their capacity for choice and agency. Overall, Szasz called for a clearer distinction between behavior and medical diagnosis, advocating for a more rational and evidence-based approach to understanding human behavior.