Lou Marinoff, a philosophical counselor, discusses how philosophy can help in dealing with existential problems despite psychiatric medications. He explores case studies on decision-making, the intersection of philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and the relationship between psychology and philosophy through Freud and Hobbes. The podcast also covers the certification process for philosophical counselors and recommends a novel on a philosopher-counselor in Manhattan.
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Quick takeaways
Philosophical counseling focuses on inner human capacities and rejects medicalization.
Virtue ethics from philosophers like Aristotle can help resolve practical dilemmas.
Stoic philosophy aids in cognitive behavioral therapy by modifying emotional responses with reason.
Deep dives
Philosophical Counseling and the Neglected Inner Human Capacities
Philosophical counseling emphasizes the neglected dimension of inner human capacities, moving away from the medicalization of human beings. By applying a blend of philosophy from Asian and Western schools, practitioners aim to help individuals utilize resources such as willpower, belief, and intentionality to resolve everyday problems.
Applying Virtue Ethics to Real-Life Dilemmas
Practitioners like Lou Maranoff use virtue ethics from philosophers like Aristotle to address practical issues. For example, a lawyer struggling with overspending and guilt about taking his son to Disney World received guidance on finding the golden mean. By balancing his actions and engaging in philanthropy, he navigated the dilemma effectively.
Balancing Rationality and Passion with Stoic Wisdom
Stoic philosophy's emphasis on changing judgments with reason to modify emotional responses proves powerful in cognitive behavioral therapy. The Stoic approach acknowledges the interplay between reason and emotions, helping individuals steer their feelings through cognitive adjustments.
Challenges in Distinguishing Philosophy and Psychology
The relationship between philosophy and psychology is complex, with historical connections and occasional tensions. While some criticize philosophers counseling individuals in moral dilemmas, the profession aims to awaken dormant wisdom in clients without imposing beliefs, fostering an exploration of their mindscape.
Certification and Research Implementation in Philosophical Counseling
The certification process for philosophical practitioners involves equipping philosophers with tools to build a practice. Certification programs encourage reflexivity and the ethical referral of cases when necessary. Institutionally approved research protocols further the integration of philosophical counseling into academic and medical settings.
Novel Representation of Philosophical Practice in Literature
Larry Abrams' novel, 'The Philosophical Practitioner,' offers a unique portrayal of a philosophical counselor navigating ethical dilemmas and client interactions. Drawing from real-life philosophical forums, the novel highlights the importance of ethical conduct and critical thinking in philosophical practice.
Our guest Lou Marinoff joins us to discuss philosophical counceling, a recent trend to use philosophy as a type of talk therapy. Now, despite the provocative title of his best-selling book, “Plato, Not Prozac!: Applying Eternal Wisdom to Everyday Problems,” the idea is actually not to replace psychiatric medications with chats about the ancient Greeks. Rather, as he puts it in the introduction to the volume, you should take your medications if you really need them, but once your brain is back to a normal functionality you will likely still be faced with the same existential problems that plague most human beings. And that’s where philosophy might help.
Lou Marinoff is the Chair of the Department of Philosophy at The City College of New York and a founder of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association. His other books include "The Middle Way: Finding Happiness in a World of Extremes" and "Therapy for the Sane."
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