First and Second Order Cybernetic Approach

First and Second Order Cybernetic Approach

1. How is reality seen by each specific approach?

Describing reality is a challenge as is something that is unseen and untouchable. The first order cybernetic approach talks of the system that is entirely independent to the observer, while the second order cybernetic approach talks of systems that observe themselves. Hoffman (1985) challenges the way reality is viewed in second order cybernetic as he believes that people could never be sure as to what they think they saw is actually a real or is actually there.

From the first order cybernetic approach the epistemological principle view reality a something that can be learned through the process of observation and at the same time the whoever has went through that process will not influenced by the same process. Individual can observe themselves, reality is how the individual see themselves without looking at the outside world (Becvar & Becvar, 2006). According to Becvar et al (2006) the therapist in the second order cybernetic approach has to take note that their observation can be influenced by the process and reality will be a challenge as they will have to consider the perception of their clients and their own perception.

Looking at both the approaches reality is seen or view as perceptions created by the individual.

2. How is health and pathology addressed by each approach?

In trying to address health from the first order cybernetic a healthy family is a family which has clear and regulated boundaries, meaning each member of the family knows what their role is and what is expected from them, what is acceptable and unacceptable behavioir.

The same boundaries are meant to ensure that there is not interference of disturbance from members of the family. At the same time the boundaries should still allow for members of the family to be able to communicate and interact with one another (Munuchin, 1974). A healthy family has clear roles and...