Karl Jaspers: A portrait of a philosopher-psychiatrist

Karl Jaspers was a philosopher and psychiatrist. He made numerous contributions to both disciplines during his lifetime. The most significant contribution within psychiatry the introduction of phenomenological method creation psychopathology, which forms basis psychopathological assessment. Moreover, he introduced distinction between explanation understanding into thus enriching our conceptual knowledge. By clarifying these concepts, helped strivings towards perceiving patient as person, instead an object waiting be analyzed. As philosopher, "NEO-Kantian", philosophy existence developed insights, especially highlighting so-called limit-situations. Limit-situations include experiences such as: death, suffering/struggle, randomness, guilt. Such situations touch limit experience point what is transcendental, while at same time, opening up possibilities for realization one's own authenticity. This paper highlights Jaspers' describes professional development, also describing some elements personality upbringing.