First and Second Order Cybernetics

ECOSYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY FIRST AND SECOND ORDER CYBERNETICS

By Philip Baron

7 June 2007 Johannesburg Rev 1.2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. How is reality seen by each specific approach?

Defining Reality First and second order cybernetics The challenge from second order cybernetics The observer and reality Conclusion

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3

3 3 3 4 4

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

Introduction Can family health be defined from a first order perspective? Can family health be defined from a second-order perspective? What then is a healthy system from a second order perspective? Conclusion

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5 5 6 7 7

3. How does each specific approach deal with therapy? What is the notion of change involved in each approach?

Introduction CHANGE An example of how change is facilitated in a first-order approach The idea of change in a second order approach

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8 8 8 9

4. What is the role and function of the therapist in each specific approach?

Introduction An example of a first order approach to therapy An example of a second order approach to therapy Conclusion

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10 10 11 13

5. Which critical ethical concerns could be raised about each specific perspective? What do you enjoy about each approach? What are your concerns?

Ethical risks associated with first order approaches An Ethic of Participation (Second-Order) Ethics and Second Order Cybernetics Criticism of the Second-Order Approach Questions that may enhance ethical conduct

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14 14 15 15 15

6. In keeping with a both-and, rather than an either-or position formulate ideas around how the first and second order cybernetic approaches can be integrated in a useful and complementary way.

Introduction Practical Issues Conclusion

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17 17 17

REFERENCES

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P. Baron © 2007

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Critically compare the epistemologies governing the first and second order cybernetic approaches in terms of the following:

1.

How is reality seen by each specific approach?

Defining...