On Critical Thinking: Exploring Politically and Professionally Incorrect Myths & Faulty Beliefs
Whether in psychology, oceanography, chemistry, limnology, or on ‘hot’ topics such as gender, race, victims or war, I have devoted a big part of my life to exploring the ‘given’, the unexamined truths, and often, the politically incorrect beliefs. The Following are some samples of the faulty beliefs I have challenged (and links to my writings on each topic):
- “Don’t Blame the victim” - Victims are 100% innocent
- Marital affairs are rare & signify that the marriage is ‘in trouble’
- The Myth of the "Warrior and the Beautiful Soul": Unlike men, who are inherently warlike, women are innately peaceful
- Humans are inherently peaceful – Wars have no appeal
- Death is a failure and should be avoided at all cost
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Oceanography is useless for fish farming and limnology is clear about the importance of mosquito larvae for fish ponds
- Blackouts are no good and to be avoided at all costs
- When in doubt, follow your instinct
- Myths & Faulty Beliefs in Psychotherapy & Counseling:
- Touch in psychotherapy is likely to lead to sex
- Therapists are always more powerful than their clients
- Once a client, always a client
- Dual or multiple relationships in psychotherapy are unethical
- You are one Borderline (BPD) away from losing your license
- The DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) is scientifically based
- Risk management is at the heart of the standard of care
- Boundary crossings inevitably lead to boundary violations