INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY (Western) vs SYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY
Most of us have been socialized into a Western, Lockean scientific tradition. Most individual
... [Show More] psychology approaches rest on the assumptions of this linear worldview. Systems theory directs our attention away from the individual and moves towards and emphasis on recursion, reciprocity and mutual influence. Discuss this fundamental shift in worldviews by referring to the fundamental assumptions of both traditional individual psychology approaches and systems theory. (10)
‘Individual psychology approaches are based on assumptions that are fundamental to the western, Lockean tradition, while systemic family therapy rests on a very different set of assumptions. Discuss this statement by comparing the assumptions of systems theory. In your answer provide a definition of epistemology. (20-25)
• Whereas individual psychology approaches are based on assumptions fundamental to the Western, Lockean tradition, systemic family therapy rests on a very different set of assumptions.
• Western, Lockean, scientific tradition.
• Modernism Linear casualty (A causes B)
• In Individual psychology, the assumptions are consistent with such basic American values as individual responsibility and autonomy.
• Socialised in this way of thinking – consistent without communities + our culture
• Reality is out there, outside our minds and the truth is to be discovered
• Objective reality – break down into smaller components and uncover laws according to which the world operates
• Pursue knowledge by means of observation + experimentation
• These results are measurable and objective. The subject (observing) remain separate from object and be value free
• In Systemic family therapy, however, the underlying assumptions are contradictory to the traditional ways of thinking in Western society.
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• Hence, our use of the term ‘counter-cultural’ to characterise systems
theory and cybernetics.
• Systems theory/cybernetics directs our attention away from the individual and individual problems viewed in isolation and toward relationships and relationship issues between individuals.
• In contrast to the Lockean tradition, systems theory is consistent with the tradition labelled as Kantian.
• Accordingly, the observer replaces the observed as the focus of attention.
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