Photo credit, photographer Sebastian Scheiner, The Associated Press, fair use
When using psychoeducation in regard to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I invite people to consider propositions which are rational—in accordance with both logic and reason. When demonstrating this lesson, I often use syllogisms. For example, consider the following:
Form (hypothetical) –
Major premise: If p, then q.
Minor premise: If q, then r.
Conclusion: Therefore, if p, then r.
Example –
If President of the United States (U.S.) Donald Trump was elected to achieve a Make America Great Again (MAGA) agenda while fulfilling an America First policy, then Trump will focus his attention on the U.S.
If Trump will focus his attention on the U.S., then he won’t devote resources (i.e., money, armaments, lives of military personnel, etc.) to foreign conflicts such as that regarding Israel and Hamas.
Therefore, if President of the U.S. Donald Trump was elected to achieve a MAGA agenda while fulfilling an America First policy, then he won’t devote resources (i.e., money, armaments, lives of military personnel, etc.) to foreign conflicts such as that regarding Israel and Hamas.
Bear in mind that the premises in a proposition of this form will always lead to the conclusion. This is the case even when the premises aren’t true. Equally important, in order to be considered rational the proposition empirically must remain in accordance with both logic and reason.
The syllogistic example I’ve used thus far follows logical form. Likewise, I argue that its premises reach a reasonable conclusion. Therefore, I maintain that this proposition is rational.
Understanding how to use rational deduction is an integral component to the practice of REBT—a psychotherapeutic modality that addresses the unhelpful process of self-disturbance (how people upset themselves with use of irrational beliefs). Admittedly, this model requires practice.
Also, when teaching people about REBT, I invite them to dispute proposals which are logically inconsistent—one or more propositions which contradict one another and cannot be true at the same time. As an example, consider the following:
Form (destructive dilemma) –
If p, then q; and if r, then s; but either not q or not s; therefore, either not p or not r.
Example –
If the U.S. has a right to refuse people from foreign countries, then Palestinian and Arab states have a right to refuse Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza and displace Gazans into foreign countries; and if a MAGA agenda and America First policy means focusing on the U.S., then meddling in the affairs of foreign nation states isn’t in the best interest of the U.S.
But either Palestinian and Arab states don’t have a right to refuse Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza and displace Gazans into foreign countries or meddling in the affairs of foreign nation states is in the best interest of the U.S.
Therefore, either the U.S. doesn’t have a right to refuse people from foreign countries or a MAGA agenda and America First policy doesn’t mean focusing on the U.S.
Here, I’ve dissected the logic and reason of the Trump administration to reveal its glaring logical inconsistent propositions. Ultimately, a simple syllogism can be used to sum up the irrational action currently being considered by the Trump administration:
Form (modus ponens) –
If p, then q; p; therefore q.
Example –
If MAGA and America First are primary principles of the U.S., then the U.S. has no legitimate business supporting Israel or a Gaza land grab.
MAGA and America First are primary principles of the U.S.
Therefore, the U.S. has no legitimate business supporting Israel or a Gaza land grab.
This syllogistic proposal is rational. Ergo, any action to the contrary is irrational. Emotional appeals, ad hominem attacks, and theological arguments in opposition are also irrational. Ultimately, history will not judge well the U.S. for ostensibly participating in ethnic cleansing.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help 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 try 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 trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
Christian Century, The. (2020, December 28). Sebastian Scheiner. Retrieved from https://www.christiancentury.org/sebastian-scheiner
Estrin, D. and Lonsdorf, K. (2025, February 5). Trump says the U.S. will ‘take over’ Gaza and relocate its people. What does it mean? NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2025/02/05/nx-s1-5287576/trump-gaza-takeover
Goldenberg, T. (2024, November 6). Trump vows peace in chaotic Middle East. But fixing it won’t be easy [Image]. Defense News. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2024/11/06/trump-vows-peace-in-chaotic-middle-east-but-fixing-it-wont-be-easy/
Gritten, D. (2025, February 25). Palestinians and Arab states reject Trump’s Gaza takeover proposal. BBC. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gw89x8x11o
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