The Economics of Szasz: Preferences, Constraints, and Mental Illness

In the paper, The Economics of Szasz: Preferences, Constraints, and Mental Illness, Bryan Caplan summarizes Thomas Szasz’s views on mental illness and translates them into the language of economics. Caplan is an economist with a wide variety of interests. He is an interesting writer, thinker, and regularly provokes conversation on Twitter and his blog. Caplan won … Continue reading The Economics of Szasz: Preferences, Constraints, and Mental Illness →

Existential Therapy: Distinctive Features

The book, Existential Therapy: Distinctive Features by Emmy van Deurzen is a good reminder to view each person as a free individual, responsible for their life. But, on another level, it is a book about how to push a particular set of belief on another person. Van Deurzen describes the existential therapy approach as: The life … Continue reading Existential Therapy: Distinctive Features →

Heresies

The book Heresies by Thomas Szasz delivers insights into the human condition. It has a cool cover as well! Reading Heresies was a delight. It is like having a conversation with a wise friend. If you have not delved into Szasz's aphoristic books, take a look at the many quotes I've reproduced in my post of … Continue reading Heresies →

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Short Guide to REBT

I recently published the book, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Short Guide to REBT on Amazon Kindle, paperback, and Audible.

Existential Perspectives On Coaching

Existentialism (as I see it) is the idea that we can explain human behavior according to reasons (choices), not causes. To this end, I have been interested to read how existentialism is used as a practical tool to help people understand themselves and their lives. I picked up the book, Existential Perspectives On Coaching, edited … Continue reading Existential Perspectives On Coaching →

Stepping out of Plato’s Cave: Philosophical Counseling, Philosophical Practice, and Self-Transformation

The book, Stepping out of Plato's Cave: Philosophical Counseling, Philosophical Practice, and Self-Transformation, was an interesting read about how one philosophical counselor who uses philosophy to help his clients understand and improve their lives. The author Ran Lahav, uses Plato’s Cave allegory to try to help people understand how they may be enslaving themselves inside … Continue reading Stepping out of Plato’s Cave: Philosophical Counseling, Philosophical Practice, and Self-Transformation →

Plato, Not Prozac!: Applying Eternal Wisdom to Everyday Problems

The book, Plato, Not Prozac!: Applying Eternal Wisdom to Everyday Problems, by Lou Marinoff, is one part sales pitch, and one part advice about how to live a life in accordance with the author’s personal values. Marinoff begins the book by arguing that problems in living are better solved by thinking philosophically rather than thinking … Continue reading Plato, Not Prozac!: Applying Eternal Wisdom to Everyday Problems →