Photo credit, Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images, fair use
When practicing rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), I examine beliefs which are considered irrational—not in accordance with both logic and reason. Generally, within my blog, I illustrate this rational versus irrational examination through use of syllogisms.
As an example, I’ve paid close attention to the 2024 United States (U.S.) presidential election. Having won an electoral victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, Donald Trump is now president-elect and is scheduled to unseat President Joe Biden.
Nevertheless, throughout his political career, I’ve observed journalists, pundits, politicians, members of the legacy media, and others comparing Trump to Adolf Hitler—a genocidal dictator. From an REBT perspective, I view such comparisons as largely unhelpful.
In particular, a universal negative rating, or what in REBT is considered a global evaluation, is a form of irrational belief whereby – in Trump’s case – an individual is rated as entirely bad or evil. Although this may be a controversial statement, not even Hitler was without positive traits.
Perhaps it may be useful to provide a direct example of what I’ve observed. One source reported, “President Joe Biden’s campaign on Wednesday posted a graphic directly comparing former president Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler, replete with images of the two men on each side.”
Even when being charitable to the notion that Biden didn’t compare Trump to Hitler, as only members of his campaign were said to have done so, an individual can determine whether or not the logic of a claim follows when given that Biden recently met with Trump for a cordial visit.
If the Biden administration truly considered Trump to be indistinguishable from Hitler, would Biden have behaved in pleasant manner when meeting with Trump? Examining the fearmongering belief regarding Trump, in a blogpost entitled Invalid Rhetoric, I stated:
[F]ollowing the first assassination attempt of Trump, Biden and other politicians publically disavowed violent reactions to their invalid rhetoric which correlated with predictable consequences. However, their acquiescent attempts to cool the sociopolitical temperature weren’t rational.
If people spew invalid rhetoric, claiming Trump is synonymous with Hitler, and truly believe in this message, one wonders why so many U.S. politicians would disavow violence associated with their language. To better understand what I mean, consider the following syllogism:
Form (hypothetical) –
If p, then q; if q, then r; therefore, if p, then r.
Example –
If you had an opportunity to prevent the Holocaust, then you would likely kill Hitler before he ascended to power.
If you would likely kill Hitler before he ascended to power, then you would also kill others with similar aims before they took positions of authority.
Therefore, if you had an opportunity to prevent the Holocaust, then you would also kill others with similar aims before they took positions of authority.
Depending on one’s moral and ethical framework, the syllogistic conclusion would be considered a rational conclusion – in accordance with both logic and reason. However, if one was merely using invalid rhetoric in regard to Trump, the premises of the syllogism would be considered unreasonable and thus irrational.
Stating that logic follows means that a syllogistic conclusion is reached based on a set of premises – as above – which are connected through sound reasoning. It implies that the conclusion is a necessary outcome of the given information that adheres to the rules of logic.
Essentially, suggesting that logic follows is an indication that if the premises are true, then the conclusion empirically must also be true. However, if the logic doesn’t adhere to syllogistic form, then it’s said not to follow.
Likewise, if one’s proposed logic follows logical form though doesn’t withstand reasonable scrutiny, the proposition which isn’t in accordance with both logic and reason is said to be irrational. As an example, consider the following syllogism that is logical though not reasonable:
Form (modus ponens) –
If p, then q; p; therefore, q.
Example –
If global authorities want to end cancer, then killing everyone who has cancer is the objective.
Global authorities want to end cancer.
Therefore, killing everyone who has cancer is the objective.
The logic follows, though the conclusion – which is based on faulty premises – is unreasonable. Therefore, the proposition is irrational even though the logic follows.
Presuming you understand the lesson presented herein, I now ask you a rational question which assumes you’ll provide a logical and reasonable answer. If the Biden administration genuinely thought Trump was synonymous with Hitler, why would Biden conduct a friendly visit with Trump?
Imagining that you’re able to discard the disinformation presented to you from journalists, pundits, politicians, members of the legacy media, and others in regard to Trump, I suspect you’ll arrive at a rational answer. Trump isn’t and never was an avatar for Hitler.
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:
Croucher, S. (2024, November 13). Trump Biden meeting: Body language experts on the handshake, postures. Newsweek. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/trump-biden-meeting-body-language-experts-1985150
Egan, L. (2023, December 20). Biden camp posts graphic with Trump pictured next to Hitler. Politico. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/20/biden-trump-hitler-post-00132774
Hollings, D. (2024, March 19). Consequences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/consequences
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PBS News. (2024, July 13). What political leaders have said about the Trump rally shooting. NewsHour Productions LLC. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-political-leaders-have-said-about-the-trump-rally-shooting
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Adolf Hitler. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Hitler
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