The Royal College of Psychiatrists coat of arms – featuring the serpent-entwined Staff of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing – also bears the College motto, ‘Let Wisdom Guide’.

Wisdom is often personified as a female figure – Sophia (Greek) or Hokmah (Hebrew) – a figure that is the source of practical knowledge and a moral compass, emphasising ethical conduct and thoughtful living. And indeed, it is wisdom we need to understand the complexities of life – particularly when it intersects with mental illness, as it often does in psychiatry.

Our new series of podcasts, Big Questions in Psychiatry, explores the complex and sometimes messy issues shaping psychiatry. With the help of world experts in the field and utilising a grounding panel of patients, carers, clinicians, learners and service managers, we ask about:

- the philosophical notion of responsibility and its relation to blame in mental illness

- phenomenology in psychiatry – how do we, either as patients or as clinicians, know what is real and what is not, for example, when dealing with hallucinations?

-the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in psychiatry – is AI friend or foe?

Disclaimer: This podcast provides information, not advice. The content in this podcast is provided for general information only and is not intended to, and does not, mount to advice which you should rely on. This is not an alternative to specific advice. Although we make reasonable efforts to present accurate information in our podcasts, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in this podcast is accurate, complete or up to date. If you have any questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider without delay. If you think you are experiencing any medical condition, you should seek immediate attention from a doctor or professional healthcare provider. Please note that the views of the interviewees are not necessarily those of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.