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1. Critically differentiate between the modernist and postmodernist paradigms. In your answer,
refer to:
Assumptions about truth and knowledge
The role of the observer
Critique: Modernist vs. Postmodernist Paradigms
The modernist and postmodernist paradigms represent two fundamentally different worldviews that
shape how truth, knowledge, and the role of the observer are understood in family therapy. While
modernism is rooted in objectivity, certainty, and a belief in an observable reality, postmodernism
challenges these assumptions by emphasising subjectivity, constructed realities, and the inescapable
participation of the observer.
Assumptions about Truth and Knowledge
Modernism assumes that truth is absolute, objective, and discoverable through systematic
observation and rigorous reasoning. From this perspective, knowledge exists “out there,” separate
from the knower, and can be accurately represented through empirical research. As Becvar and
Becvar explain, modernism embodies “the belief that absolute truth is attainable and is the
foundation of knowledge, which is defined as being external, or out there, separate from the knower”
(Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 95). This paradigm values general laws, reductionism, and the idea of
progress toward a greater goal achieved by scientific means (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 95).
In contrast, postmodernism rejects the notion of absolute truth and instead asserts that reality is
constructed through perception and language. Truth is viewed as local, contextual, and multiple.
Becvar and Becvar state that postmodernism “undermines the modernist belief in the possibility of
objective knowledge and absolute truth on many fronts,” with facts being “replaced by perspectives”
(Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 95). Consequently, knowledge is not discovered but actively created, and
there is no “transcendent criterion of the correct” (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 95).
The Role of the Observer
Within the modernist paradigm, the observer is positioned as separate and detached from the
phenomenon being studied. Objectivity is considered both possible and essential. The observer is
expected to view reality “from a distance without imposing values or beliefs” (Becvar & Becvar,
2014, p. 2). This stance assumes that the subject (observer) and object (reality) are independent,
allowing for value-free science and objective measurement (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 2).
Postmodernism fundamentally challenges this separation. Here, the observer is understood to be part
of what is observed, actively participating in the construction of reality. Becvar and Becvar note that
from a postmodern perspective, “the observer is understood to be part of that which is observed, and
thus may describe only observing systems” (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 93). Reality is constructed as
a function of the belief systems that one brings to bear on a situation. Furthermore, “objectivity, as
we normally understand it, is impossible,” leading to an “epistemology of participation” where the
knower and known are inextricably bound together (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 85). This shift
replaces the notion of a single universe with a “multiverse of many equally valid observer-dependent
realities” (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 86).
1. Critically differentiate between the modernist and postmodernist paradigms. In your answer,
refer to:
Assumptions about truth and knowledge
The role of the observer
Critique: Modernist vs. Postmodernist Paradigms
The modernist and postmodernist paradigms represent two fundamentally different worldviews that
shape how truth, knowledge, and the role of the observer are understood in family therapy. While
modernism is rooted in objectivity, certainty, and a belief in an observable reality, postmodernism
challenges these assumptions by emphasising subjectivity, constructed realities, and the inescapable
participation of the observer.
Assumptions about Truth and Knowledge
Modernism assumes that truth is absolute, objective, and discoverable through systematic
observation and rigorous reasoning. From this perspective, knowledge exists “out there,” separate
from the knower, and can be accurately represented through empirical research. As Becvar and
Becvar explain, modernism embodies “the belief that absolute truth is attainable and is the
foundation of knowledge, which is defined as being external, or out there, separate from the knower”
(Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 95). This paradigm values general laws, reductionism, and the idea of
progress toward a greater goal achieved by scientific means (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 95).
In contrast, postmodernism rejects the notion of absolute truth and instead asserts that reality is
constructed through perception and language. Truth is viewed as local, contextual, and multiple.
Becvar and Becvar state that postmodernism “undermines the modernist belief in the possibility of
objective knowledge and absolute truth on many fronts,” with facts being “replaced by perspectives”
(Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 95). Consequently, knowledge is not discovered but actively created, and
there is no “transcendent criterion of the correct” (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 95).
The Role of the Observer
Within the modernist paradigm, the observer is positioned as separate and detached from the
phenomenon being studied. Objectivity is considered both possible and essential. The observer is
expected to view reality “from a distance without imposing values or beliefs” (Becvar & Becvar,
2014, p. 2). This stance assumes that the subject (observer) and object (reality) are independent,
allowing for value-free science and objective measurement (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 2).
Postmodernism fundamentally challenges this separation. Here, the observer is understood to be part
of what is observed, actively participating in the construction of reality. Becvar and Becvar note that
from a postmodern perspective, “the observer is understood to be part of that which is observed, and
thus may describe only observing systems” (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 93). Reality is constructed as
a function of the belief systems that one brings to bear on a situation. Furthermore, “objectivity, as
we normally understand it, is impossible,” leading to an “epistemology of participation” where the
knower and known are inextricably bound together (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 85). This shift
replaces the notion of a single universe with a “multiverse of many equally valid observer-dependent
realities” (Becvar & Becvar, 2014, p. 86).
