First and Second-Order Cybernetics
ECOSYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY ASSIGNMENT 2
1. HOW IS REALITY SEEN BY EACH SPECIFIC APPROACH?
Before attempting to describe differences and similarities regarding how these two approaches view reality, the best place to begin is to define “reality”. According to Reader’s Digest Universal dictionary (1987; 1278), reality is that which exists objectively and in fact. In philosophy, it is the sum of all that is real, absolute, and unchangeable. In other words, it is something that occurs in real life and is comparable by facts, according to Baron (2012).
These definitions suggest the idea that reality is something that anyone can notice at any given time as some type of actuality or fact. However, another way of looking at reality, according to Baron (2012), is to see it as all those things that form central part of what an individual perceives to be real. In turn, this personal objectivity (subjectivity) replaces the objective notion of reality - as perception and belief correlates to an individual.
Just from these approaches we already have opposing views concerning reality. This is similar to the two approaches considering reality. According to Baron (2012), from a first order cybernetic perspective one could ask what really is reality? This question would not be in line with a second order approach in that this question gives rise to the idea that there is a single construct or value for reality; a truth that is discoverable and obtainable that can then be used as an example that can possibly be put onto a pedestal for a group of people to view it. The idea of a finite truth and there being a real world that can be known with objective certainty is contrary to a second order perspective.
On the other hand, according to Baron (2012), a second-order cybernetic perspective challenges the way we assume to perceive reality. Perception is a process of construction, that is, we invent the environment in which we find our self as we perceive/construct it. Each person is
1. HOW IS REALITY SEEN BY EACH SPECIFIC APPROACH?
Before attempting to describe differences and similarities regarding how these two approaches view reality, the best place to begin is to define “reality”. According to Reader’s Digest Universal dictionary (1987; 1278), reality is that which exists objectively and in fact. In philosophy, it is the sum of all that is real, absolute, and unchangeable. In other words, it is something that occurs in real life and is comparable by facts, according to Baron (2012).
These definitions suggest the idea that reality is something that anyone can notice at any given time as some type of actuality or fact. However, another way of looking at reality, according to Baron (2012), is to see it as all those things that form central part of what an individual perceives to be real. In turn, this personal objectivity (subjectivity) replaces the objective notion of reality - as perception and belief correlates to an individual.
Just from these approaches we already have opposing views concerning reality. This is similar to the two approaches considering reality. According to Baron (2012), from a first order cybernetic perspective one could ask what really is reality? This question would not be in line with a second order approach in that this question gives rise to the idea that there is a single construct or value for reality; a truth that is discoverable and obtainable that can then be used as an example that can possibly be put onto a pedestal for a group of people to view it. The idea of a finite truth and there being a real world that can be known with objective certainty is contrary to a second order perspective.
On the other hand, according to Baron (2012), a second-order cybernetic perspective challenges the way we assume to perceive reality. Perception is a process of construction, that is, we invent the environment in which we find our self as we perceive/construct it. Each person is
References: Reader’s Digest .(1987).Universal Dictionary. London; The Reader’s Digest Ass. Ltd Baron, P (2012). Ecosystemic Psychology. http://ecosystemic-psychology.org.za/Index_files/First_and_second_order_cybernetics.htm. Accessed on 21 July 2012