A Modern Epistemological Basis for Rational-Emotive Theory

Ellis originally formulated Rational-Emotive Theory on the basis of Logical Empiricism and the hypothetico-deductive method, the prevailing philosophy of science for psychology at the time. Irrational beliefs were defined either ostensively or in terms of their consequences, and Rational-Emotive Therapy put the burden of justifying his or her (irrational) beliefs on the client. Logical Empiricism is no longer the dominant epistemological position in philosophy, and the notion of justified belief has come under special attack by the critics of Logical Empiricism. Comprehensively Critical Rationalism suggests that we can adopt the principle of making our assertions subject to criticism, without insisting on justified knowledge. Rationality, which cannot be defined explicitly, requires that we be able to defend, but not verify (justify), our beliefs. Not all irrational beliefs lead to dysphoric emotions. Those that do are of two kinds: (a) grandiose beliefs that some object, state, or event in the world shou...