First and Second Order Cybernetics
ECOSYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY First and second order cybernetics: critical comparison of epistemologies governing both approaches
K Seokoma Student no: 42195853 ECOSYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY ASSIGNMENT 02 12 JULY 2013
Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. How is reality seen by each approach? –page 2 How is health and pathology addressed by each approach?- page 2 How does each specific approach deal with therapy?-page 3 What is the role and function of the therapist in each specific approach?-page 3 Which ethical concerns could be raised about each specific approach?-page 3 In keeping with a both-and , rather than an either-or position, formulate ideas around how the first- and second order cybernetics approaches can be integrated in a useful and complementary way.-page 3 7. reference
1
1. How is reality seen by each approach? In first order cybernetics, reality is discovered through observation without the observer being influenced in process. To ensure such, the observer place themselves outside the system, where they can observe what is goes into and comes out of it so that they can initiate change (Becvar & Becvar, 2009). In second order cybernetics, the observer is recognised as a part of, or participant in that what is observed. Perception of both the observer and the observed is recognised. Reality is constructed other being recognised as something that is out there. Becvar & Becvar (in Baron, 2007) is cited as stating that, first and second order cybernetics are consistent with each other in the assumption that, reality is understood as perceptually constructed or created. Baron (2007) noted that, reality from first cybernetics approach may be explained and interpreted from an isolated remote position, while a second order approach is aware that it is not possible to understand other’s reality without being a part of it during the process. The focus on context and communication is of utmost relevance in both approaches. The therapists attempt to understand the context through
K Seokoma Student no: 42195853 ECOSYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY ASSIGNMENT 02 12 JULY 2013
Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. How is reality seen by each approach? –page 2 How is health and pathology addressed by each approach?- page 2 How does each specific approach deal with therapy?-page 3 What is the role and function of the therapist in each specific approach?-page 3 Which ethical concerns could be raised about each specific approach?-page 3 In keeping with a both-and , rather than an either-or position, formulate ideas around how the first- and second order cybernetics approaches can be integrated in a useful and complementary way.-page 3 7. reference
1
1. How is reality seen by each approach? In first order cybernetics, reality is discovered through observation without the observer being influenced in process. To ensure such, the observer place themselves outside the system, where they can observe what is goes into and comes out of it so that they can initiate change (Becvar & Becvar, 2009). In second order cybernetics, the observer is recognised as a part of, or participant in that what is observed. Perception of both the observer and the observed is recognised. Reality is constructed other being recognised as something that is out there. Becvar & Becvar (in Baron, 2007) is cited as stating that, first and second order cybernetics are consistent with each other in the assumption that, reality is understood as perceptually constructed or created. Baron (2007) noted that, reality from first cybernetics approach may be explained and interpreted from an isolated remote position, while a second order approach is aware that it is not possible to understand other’s reality without being a part of it during the process. The focus on context and communication is of utmost relevance in both approaches. The therapists attempt to understand the context through