All modes of considering the world,
be they scientific or otherwise, are based on an underlying set of
philosophical assumptions that drive the way acquisition of knowledge
occurs. Nowhere is that more true than
in the development of psychology, and later, the specific therapy practices
that we use today. The ancient Greeks
pioneered the Western idea of seeking to understand the natural world through
non-supernatural means. The two
prevailing epistemologies, or methods of accepting validating ideas, were
empiricism and metaphysics. Empiricism
is the basis of modern scientific thought and involves acquiring knowledge by
using sensory observations. Metaphysics
refers to gaining understanding of existence through reason. Both modes of exploration shaped the way that
philosophers thought about human beings.
Although empiricism is by far the
most widely accepted epistemology in the Western world today, it is interesting
to see how the two predominant methodologies parallel the two pieces of
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most common forms of therapy
today. Behaviorism is mechanistic in its
approach, focusing on more easily observable biological methods of change, such
as conditioning. In contrast, the
cognitive side of CBT relates to the mind; it involves correcting irrational
beliefs that often underlie mental illnesses.
It is interesting to see how direct observation and reasoning have
distinctive representative elements in both ancient and modern thinking.
Behavioral therapy developed
first. Its foundation was the idea that
reinforcement and punishment can change behavior patterns, and that exposing a
person to something that they fear over a long period of time can lessen that
fear. Albert Ellis and other cognitive
psychologists believed that ignoring a person's unobservable mental state neglected
an important part of their difficulties.
Ellis' tried change the perspective of his patients so they could view
themselves and their circumstances in a more functional way. Aaron Beck created the cognitive therapy that
is considered the main forerunner of modern practice, incorporating many of the
elements of behavioral therapy to make it more integrative.
Dr. Gantt, my History of Psychology
professor, explained that he felt the materialist root of modern psychology
naturally developed into the likes of behaviorism and evolutionary psychology,
which are philosophically connected to determinism and moral relativism. The consequences of ideas are modes of
thinking that often directly contradict Gospel principles. Navigating the modern field requires
discernment and a willingness to question professional assumptions about human
beings. On one hand, Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy can do a lot of good for many people.
On the other, we should not assume that it represents a perfect
solution.
While much has changed in psychology
since Socrates and Plato were in their prime, in some ways it feels as though
nothing has changed at all. Although
much different in its specific application, the same basic methods and
assumptions that were active in ancient Greece are still viable today through
the medium of the modern therapist, both for good and for ill.
Thoma, N,, Pilecki, B., & McKay, D. (2015). Contemporary cognitive behavior therapy: A review of theory, history, and evidence, Psychodynamic Psychiatry, 43(3) 423–462,
"Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe," no changes made, by Joe Jiang. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode
It's interesting because, though psychological practices and theories have changed through history, human nature has not. It makes me wonder if the practices are all dependent on the individual rather than the community as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of rewards and punishments being used to condition behavior is as old as time itself. Many of the first lessons we gain in mortality relate to this principle. I find it incredible that we can study and understand why these methods of persuasion work. Indeed, these two principles connect with almost everything any of us do: school, work, relationships, even religion.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely recommend reading "The Influencer" from VitalSmarts. They really goo through and take a psychological look at human behavior that goes so much deeper than the rewards/penalties system. Definitely a good read for anybody looking at influencing human behavior!
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