Photo credit (edited), fair use
My late stepmom used to say, “Can’t square that circle” when I issued proposals which were neither logical nor reasonable (collectively “rational”). According to one source, this phrase represents a problem in geometry which relates to a rejected hypothesis.
The source adds, “It is the challenge of constructing a square with the area of a given circle by using only a finite number of steps with a compass and straightedge.” Thus, the adage used by my stepmom corresponds with what I stated in a blogpost entitled The Is-Ought Problem:
Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume is credited with having proposed the is-ought problem, also referred to as the is-ought gap, Hume’s law, and Hume’s guillotine. His formula addresses moral or values-based judgements contrasted with non-moral or facts-based observations.
Moralistic arbitration occurs when one prescribes to another person what should, must, or ought to be the case. Regarding literature associated with rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), there are two main types of moralistic demands with which people disturb themselves.
The first instance involves an absolutistic should belief. As an example, “Absolutely no one should sit out this 2024 United States [U.S.] presidential election by choosing not to participate in the act of voting!” Stated differently, “People shouldn’t choose not to vote!”
When self-disturbingly moralizing to others in this manner, an individual favors rigidity rather than flexibility. This irrational belief doesn’t allow for a balanced perspective whereby people are free to vote if they want to or refrain from voting if they so choose.
Thus, absolutistic should-type demands violate the is-ought problem. You can’t square that circle, because one cannot derive an ought from an is—you simply cannot unproductively declare what ought to be when faced with what merely is the case.
The second occurrence of a moralistic demand involves a conditional should belief. For instance, “People should vote for my preferred presidential candidate, or else I’ll consider them garbage!” Said another way, “Either you should vote for my candidate, or you’re garbage!”
This self-disturbing moralistic belief uses an inflexible condition. Lacking balance of differing perspectives, this irrational belief limits oneself, others, and life to a virtually impossible standard to maintain in the interest of nuanced outlooks – it’s either my way or the highway!
Therefore, conditional should-type demands violate the is-ought problem. You can’t square that circle, because not everyone in life will want to travel upon the restrictive highway you set forth.
Herein, I’m using examples in regard to the 2024 U.S. presidential election for a reason. Election seasons provide a wonderful opportunity for me to practice REBT in both my personal and professional life.
On one hand, as a non-voter, I’m able to overcome the unproductive attempts at shaming which are abundantly available during this time of the year. As an example, when I hear, “Non-voters are the problem with this country,” I’m able to shrug off this inferred violation of the is-ought problem.
On the other hand, I’m afforded an opportunity to try to help clients reject the experience of guilt and shame when other people unfavorably demand that a circle must be squared. Thus, clients can vote for the Republican or Democratic Party candidate, or choose not to vote at all.
In the years since her death, I continue valuing the helpful knowledge, wisdom, and understanding imparted upon me by my late stepmom. Perhaps you, too, may benefit from the lesson she provided.
Of course, far be it for me to absolutistically or conditionally demand what one should or shouldn’t do. After all, I can’t square that circle. Moreover, neither can you.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
Academy 4SC. (n.d.). Is-ought gap: From facts to values. Retrieved from https://academy4sc.org/video/is-ought-gap-from-facts-to-values/
BBC Radio 4. (2014, November 18). The is / ought problem [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/eT7yXG2aJdY
Highbrow. (n.d.). Hume’s guillotine. Retrieved from https://gohighbrow.com/humes-guillotine/
Hollings, D. (2024, July 9). Absolutistic should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/absolutistic-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2022, November 13). Civic duty. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/civic-duty
Hollings, D. (2024, July 9). Conditional should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/conditional-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2022, October 31). Demandingness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/demandingness
Hollings, D. (2022, October 5). Description vs. prescription. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/description-vs-prescription
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
Hollings, D. (2024, March 28). Distorted inferences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/distorted-inferences
Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use
Hollings, D. (2024, April 2). Four major irrational beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/four-major-irrational-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2024, October 30). Garbage along the continuum. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/garbage-along-the-continuum
Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better
Hollings, D. (2024, August 27). Guilt and shame are choices. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/guilt-and-shame-are-choices
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/
Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching
Hollings, D. (2023, January 8). Logic and reason. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/logic-and-reason
Hollings, D. (2024, April 9). Moral arbiter. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/moral-arbiter
Hollings, D. (2023, October 2). Morals and ethics. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/morals-and-ethics
Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings
Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth
Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt
Hollings, D. (2024, January 4). Rigid vs. rigorous. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rigid-vs-rigorous
Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance
Hollings, D. (2022, September 8). Shame attacking. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/shame-attacking
Hollings, D. (2022, October 7). Should, must, and ought. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/should-must-and-ought
Hollings, D. (2022, December 14). The is-ought problem. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-is-ought-problem
Wikipedia. (n.d.). David Hume. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hume
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Is-ought problem. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Is%E2%80%93ought_problem
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Squaring the circle. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squaring_the_circle#:~:text=The%20expression%20%22squaring%20the%20circle%22%20is%20sometimes,for%20finding%20the%20area%20of%20a%20circle.
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