Applying Mulla Sadra’s Philosophy to Philosophical Counseling: A Sadrian Approach Based on Cohen’s Logic-Based Therapy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sara Nourali 1
Hadi Vakili 2
Morteza Jafarian 3
1 Ph.D. Student, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor of Islamic Philosophy and Contemporary Wisdom, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor of Islamic Philosophy and Contemporary Wisdom, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/mi.2026.11099
Abstract
Philosophical counseling is a modern approach to addressing life issues, and Elliott Cohen’s Logic-Based Therapy (LBT) is one of its therapeutic methods. This method focuses on correcting perceptions and improving individuals’ behaviours and emotions by identifying logical fallacies in their beliefs and providing philosophical antidotes. Therefore, Logic-Based Therapy prioritizes the correction of “perceptions” as the primary basis of behaviour and decision-making. In Mulla Sadra’s philosophy, perceptions likewise form the core of human identity. Through the theories of the unity of the perceiver and the perceived and the unity of the faculties, Sadra explains the reciprocal relationship between perceptions and actions. He maintains that human identity is shaped by perceptions, while actions, in turn, influence perceptions. Based on these two perspectives, this research addresses the question of whether philosophical counseling grounded in Mulla Sadra’s philosophy can be developed. The results indicate that correcting perceptions and erroneous beliefs through reflective and logical self-awareness can lead to improved behaviour and an enhanced quality of life. Since this Sadrian approach is consistent with the principles of Elliott Cohen’s method, the use of Sadrian concepts, especially the unity of the intellect and the intelligible, makes it possible to develop an indigenous model of philosophical counseling.
Keywords
Philosophical Counseling, LBT Method, Unity, Unity of Faculties, Mulla Sadra&rsquo
s Philosophy
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