STUDENT NUMBER 46600361

PYC4808

ECOSYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY

ASSIGNMENT NUMBER 2

UNIQUE ASSIGNMENT NUMBER 588438

TOPIC: FIRST AND SECOND ORDER CYBERNETICS

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

1. Introduction 1
2. First order cybernetics 1
3. Second order cybernetics 1
4. How reality is seen by each approach 2
5. How health and pathology is addressed by each approach 3
6. Role and function of therapists 4
7. Ethical concerns 4
8. How first and second order cybernetic approach can be integrated In a useful and complimentary way 5
9. Conclusion 6
10. References 7

1

1. Introduction
Cybernetics refers to the principles that regulate the dissemination of information or messages. Cybernetics has to do with the basic principles underlying the control, regulation, and exchange and processing of information. The influence of cybernetics is apparent in the Eco systemic approach because it stresses relations and connections and highlights the study of interactional patterns between and within systems. Cybernetic theory regards the construction of reality as a non-linear concept, it is concerned not so much with what systems consist of, but how they function.
First and second order cybernetic approaches are consistent with each other, in the assumption that reality is understood as perceptually constructed or created. (Becvar and Becvar 2006). This reality may be explained and interpreted in the first order therapy from an isolated remote position while a second order approach is aware that it is not possible to understand another’s reality without being a part of it during the process. They also both focus on context and the importance of communication. Both have a focus on an idea of relational context.

2. First Order Cybernetic principles
First order cybernetic reality is discovered through observation