PYC4808 Study Pack (2022)
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PYC4808
Ecosystemic Psychology
Study Pack
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INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY (Western) vs SYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY
Most of us have been socialised into a Western, Lockean scientific tradition. Most
individual 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.
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.
2
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Accordingly, the observer replaces the observed as the focus of attention.
3
www.stuvia.com
, Stuvia.com - The study-notes marketplace
Stuvia.com - The study-notes marketplace
PYC4808
Ecosystemic Psychology
Study Pack
, Stuvia.com - The study-notes marketplace
INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY (Western) vs SYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY
Most of us have been socialised into a Western, Lockean scientific tradition. Most
individual 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.
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.
2
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Accordingly, the observer replaces the observed as the focus of attention.
3
