Quite often, when using psychoeducation in my blog to help people understand Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I demonstrate points through use of syllogisms—deductive schemes of a formal argument consisting of a major and a minor premise and a conclusion. For example:
Form (modus ponens) –
If p, then q; p; therefore, q.
Major premise: If p, then q.
Minor premise: p.
Conclusion: Therefore, q.
Example –
If you want to reduce carbon emissions associated with flatulence (p), then kill everything that is capable of farting (q). You want to reduce carbon emissions associated with flatulence (p). Therefore, kill everything that is capable of farting (q).
It’s understandable why I prefer this method, because that which is considered rational is in accordance with logic and reason. However, merely because an argument (or even a belief) follows logical form doesn’t mean that a proposal is reasonable. According to one source:
The logical fallacy of mistaking deductive validity for truth “takes the form of assuming that because an argument is a logical syllogism, therefore the conclusion must be true. It ignores the possibility that the premises of the argument may be false.
A syllogism alone doesn’t infer rationality, because it may draw an unreasonable or even false conclusion. Ultimately, rationality is concerned with that which is valid (logically correct) and true (factually accurate). Therefore, deductive reasoning should comport with rational coherence.
Noteworthy, one of the main objectives of REBT is to promote rational living. This psychotherapeutic modality is geared toward wellness and differs from other mental, emotional and behavioral health methods, in that REBT aims to help people get better and not merely feel better.
Use of illogical or unreasonable assumptions about oneself, others, and life may lead to self-disturbance—the process of upsetting oneself through employment of irrational beliefs which cause unpleasant emotional and behavioral consequences. Thus, in order to get better, REBT challenges invalid arguments mistaken for truth.
Then again, what do I know? If you continue using irrational beliefs, then you may experience maximal joy and pleasure. After all, you continue using irrational beliefs. Therefore, you may experience maximal joy and pleasure. (See what I did there?)
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:
Hollings, D. (2024, March 19). Consequences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/consequences
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/
Hollings, D. (2023, May 18). Irrational beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/irrational-beliefs
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, March 4). Mental, emotional, and behavioral health. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mental-emotional-and-behavioral-health
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. (2024, January 1). Psychoeducation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychoeducation
Hollings, D. (2023, September 15). Psychotherapeutic modalities. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapeutic-modalities
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, May 15). Rational living. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-living
Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Recommendatory should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/recommendatory-should-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2024, January 20). Reliability vs. validity. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/reliability-vs-validity
Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance
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. (2023, October 17). Syllogism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/syllogism
Hollings, D. (2024, September 29). Well, well, well. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/well-well-well
Pope, K. S. and Vasquez, M. J. T. (2016). Common logical fallacies in psychology: 26 types & examples. Retrieved from https://kspope.com/fallacies/fallacies.php
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