Psychology is stuck. The cultural sanctioning and theoretical inertia of biological models in psychology seem to have taken hold to such an extent that the voices of philosophical, theological, historical, and other diverse theoretical viewpoints and criticisms seem to have been muted. There has been such a great investment in biological research that rebuilding the foundations seems so overwhelming that we’d prefer to ignore any sort of warning that our current foundations are unstable. Our desire for progress has perhaps outweighed our desire for truth and reason, leading to a certain level of impatience in the way we approach theoretical issues. On the other hand, progress seems to be greatly limited by a general failure to disregard incorrect theories. It is almost as though the entire field is in a state of compulsion; temporarily ignoring any factors which may limit progress towards an outcome which seems to be just on the horizon.

The primary means by which this state is maintained is pragmatism. Put simply, it would be easier from scientific, moral, sociological, and political perspectives if mental disorders were natural kinds, which would be categorised simply, and treated with medication. If such is the case, it would almost seem nonsensical to consider other options until biological models are utterly exhausted of utility. Unfortunately, such an attempt is built on a range of presuppositions which would make such an attempt fundamentally elusive. A lack of insight into the role of philosophical presuppositions, as well as a failure to embrace uncertainty will inevitably be at the expense of scientific advancement.

For many psychological scientists, such a tendency to avoid questions of philosophy, or even questioning the theories they have held for years may be viewed as a sort of escapism, or self-serving bias. Such tendencies are clearly inhibitory to scientific progress. For the pragmatist however, these concerns are hardly of importance unless one can provide an answer to this question: 'how else should things be done?’

This website is designed to bring together minds who are in search of an adequate response.

Problems with the DSM
Mind Freedom
Psych Diagnosis
The Icarus Project
Contextual Psychology

Bentall, R.P. (2003). Madness explained: psychosis and human nature. London: Penguin.

Elliot, A.L. (2008). Handbook of approach and avoidance motivation. New York: Psychology Press.

Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (1998). The self-regulation of
behavior. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

Gross, J.J. (2007). Handbook of Emotion Regulation.

Baumeister, R.F. & Vohs, K.D. (2004). Handbook of self-regulation: research, theory, and applications. New York: Guilford.

Hayes, S. C., Wilson, K. G., Gifford, E. V., Follette, V., & Strohsal, K. (1996). Experiential avoidance and behavioral disorders: A functional dimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64, 1152-1168.

Holtforth, M.G. (2008). Avoidance motivation in psychological problems and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy Research, 18, 147-159.