Cognitive-Behaviorism as a Dialectic Contradiction The Unity of Opposites

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioral theory as developing in a dialectic manner is discussed. After presenting the dialectic process of how opposites unite, cognitive and behavioral theories are portrayed as having opposing images of man. These conceptual opposites are united under cognitive-behaviorism, which views people as both active and reactive, responding to both cognitive and environmental factors. A partial list of the ideologically liberating effects of adopting such a framework in the areas of personality, psychotherapy, and development is offered.