Freethought

The concepts surrounding Freethought sound good on paper:  

Freethought is an epistemological viewpoint which holds that beliefs should not be formed on the basis of authority, tradition, revelation, or dogma, and should instead be reached by other methods such as logic, reason, and empirical observation.

A freethinker is "One who is mentally free from the conventional bonds of tradition or dogma, and thinks independently." Free thought is strongly tied with rejection of traditional social or religious belief systems. Modern freethinkers consider free thought to be a natural freedom from all negative and illusive thoughts acquired from society.

The problem with Freethought (and its philosophical cousin, the Skeptical movement) is a haven is provided for all sorts of deviant thinking. For instance, pedophiles frequently self-identify as free thinkers or skeptics. And of course, deviant thinking is a precursor to deviant action. 

Freethought was alive and well at Cal Berkeley when Bob attended, and he adopted it to the core of his being. He views conventionality as a cardinal sin. 

This is the mindset that enabled Bob to abuse his patients sexually. And to assume control of their businesses in the name of therapy. And to have a sexual relationship with his daughter-in-law (a patient), and to father a child with her (subsequent to her divorce). And to openly lament in group that his adult daughter was disadvantaged by being unable to enjoy the profound benefits of a sexual relationship with her very special father, due to conventional taboos. 

Ugh. I feel dirty just thinking about it.