Uploaded October 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This video is recorded from Zoom at a Middle Way Society Network meeting. There is an initial talk by Robert M. Ellis followed by Q&A. A practically helpful account of belief is put forward, together with the value of focusing on overcoming conflicts between beliefs (integrating them) rather than being obsessed by their truth or falsity.
Integration of belief is the most important and most lasting form of integration, and the basis of wisdom and compassion. To develop these qualities we need to be able to avoid absolute beliefs but engage with provisional ones. We need to sift absolute beliefs from provisional ones in areas such as religion and politics, but there are also many other everyday ways of practising integration of belief in relation to cognitive biases. A range of practices can help us to develop integration of belief, but especially those that cultivate wider awareness of our beliefs specifically – such as individual reflection, or study and discussion in which critical thinking is applied.
For more information about the Middle Way Network please see middlewaysociety.org/events/middle-way-network
This video is recorded from Zoom at a Middle Way Society Network meeting. There is an initial talk by Robert M. Ellis followed by Q&A. A practically helpful account of belief is put forward, together with the value of focusing on overcoming conflicts between beliefs (integrating them) rather than being obsessed by their truth or falsity.
Integration of belief is the most important and most lasting form of integration, and the basis of wisdom and compassion. To develop these qualities we need to be able to avoid absolute beliefs but engage with provisional ones. We need to sift absolute beliefs from provisional ones in areas such as religion and politics, but there are also many other everyday ways of practising integration of belief in relation to cognitive biases. A range of practices can help us to develop integration of belief, but especially those that cultivate wider awareness of our beliefs specifically – such as individual reflection, or study and discussion in which critical thinking is applied.
For more information about the Middle Way Network please see middlewaysociety.org/events/middle-way-network
