On self-conceiving: Philosophical yearnings in a schizophrenic context

My focus in this article is on creativity with in a schizophrenic context. I argue that it is characteristic of schizophrenic experience to be particu larly concerned with the question of creativity. Such a view of schizophren ia opens a perspective on certain philosophical yearnings as they are revea led within schizophrenic states. The later period work of Wittgenstein (e.g ., 1953, 1967) provides a vehicle for exploring the philosophical dimension s of schizophrenic experience. Wittgenstein's work is well suited to this p urpose as it centrally concerns itself with the living out, the "instantiat ion," of philosophical positions. As such, it provides a view from inside o n the schizophrenic situation and, thereby, an entryway into a more empathi c understanding of schizophrenic experience. Wittgenstein's analysis of the traps into which one can fall in doing philosophy offers clues to the natu re of schizophrenic conflict around coming into being. I make reference to his discussions of solipsism and of the (schizophrenic) attempt to experien ce the "because.".