We use frameworks and concepts to protect ourselves from the discomfort of not knowing, but these very concepts, when taken for granted, can prevent us from asking the kinds of questions that will set us free. In this episode, I'm joined by philosophy of mental health scholars, Cristiano Bacchi and Giacomo Piselli Fioroni, co-hosts of the podcast "In Front of the Mirror." Together, we dive into the critical intersection of philosophy and psychiatry, exploring why slowing down to question our fundamental assumptions about mental health is not just academic exercise, but is essential for creating more humane and effective approaches. Cristiano, whose research examines authenticity and agency in mental health experiences, and Giacomo, who investigates the complex interplay between mind, world, and intersubjectivity, bring their interdisciplinary backgrounds to a conversation that challenges the dominant paradigms while remaining unafraid to tackle the big questions.

Cristiano Bacchi is a Master’s student in Clinical Psychology at the School of Psychology, University of Padua, Italy.He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychological Sciences and Techniques from the University of Perugia, Italy, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Cognitive Sciences from the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.This background allowed him to become familiar with interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the mind and the person. To put this perspective into practice, during his undergraduate studies he trained as an intern in Amniotic Therapy, a body-based group therapy for persons experiencing psychosis.His current research addresses key questions in the philosophy of mental health, including issues of authenticity and ambiguity in psychiatry, the impact of mental health narratives on the person’s sense of agency, and the role of language and metaphors in representing mental health conditions.

Giacomo Piselli Fioroni is finishing his masters at the "Berlin School of Mind and Brain", Humboldt Universität zu Berlin. In his bachelor, he studied "Philosophy and Psychological sciences and techniques" at the University of Perugia, Italy. Currently, he is looking for a doctorate program, striving for realising his dream of becoming a researcher. His current work aims at putting into communication philosophy and mental health-related disciplines. Particularly, his current work focuses on the role of folk psychology both in the theories and practice of clinical sciences, and on the relationship of first-person, second-person and third-person perspectives employed to describe and understand mental health phenomena.

Together, in 2024 they organized and taught the Projekttutorium Philosophy of Mental Health at Humboldt University.Since May 2025, they have hosted the podcast In Front of the Mirror, where they continue to explore the dialogue between philosophy and mental health. In Front of the Mirror - the podcast that bridges philosophy and mental health.

Links:

In Front of the Mirror - the English Podcast

In Front of the Mirror - Il Podcast in Italiano

Follow us on IG: @mirror_podcast_

Bacchi, C. (2024). Is it me or my delusion? Harnessing authenticity for an agential view of delusionality. Philosophy and the Mind Sciences, 5. https://doi.org/10.33735/phimisci.2024.11474

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