Page 7 - Microsoft PowerPoint - v3_FINAL_3June21_CenMED_ZOOM half day masterclass on FOCUSED_PPT RobertWRIGHT.pptx
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Underlying philosophy: Constructive Alternativism
• There are always some ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTIONS available to
choose among in dealing with the world. ‘Man’ can enslave himself with his
own ideas and then win his freedom again by RECONSTRUING his life
No one needs to paint himself into a corner; no one needs to be completely
hemmed in by circumstances; NO ONE NEEDS TO BE VICTIM OF HIS
BIOGRAPHY.
• We call this philosophical position constructive alternativism (Kelly, 1955)
• “If all we have is a hammer, all the world’s problems are nails.” (Maslow, 1966)
“An unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates
“The first step in reconstruction, is to trade in some of our old questions for new
ones.” (Burr & Butt, 1992)
Key points here extracted from Kelly, G. A. (1955). The psychology of personal constructs . New York: Norton. Reprinted by
Routledge (London), 1991.
