Abstract
The article analyzes the conditions of formation of the psychiatric concept of “perversion” and, more specifically, the way in which, from the 1820s, a fundamental structuring opposition between “perversion” and “perversity” in juridical and medical-legal fields was constructed. Understanding this game of opposition and power between both concepts allows assimilating some professional conflicts between doctors and jurists, as well as some political disputes.
Keywords:
Perversion; Perversity; Medical-legal; Genealogy; Politics; France