Pilgrim feels that formulating all illnesses in terms of deviancy from a norm might lead to reconciling the psychological characteristics of physical illness with those of mental illness. In this way, the problems of physical reductionism and of mind-body separation may be avoided. The concept of illness as deviancy also avoids denying a material basis for human existence. Using this concept, according to Pilgrim, one may more readily recognize and reconcile the frequently conflicting issues of caring for and controlling one's patients.