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Cybernetics

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Table of content

page
Introduction 2
1 First-order cybernetics principles 2
2 Second-order cybernetics 4
3 Perception of reality 5
4 Health and pathology 6
5 The role and function of therapy 7
6 Ethical concerns 8
7 Integration of first- and second-order cybernetics 8
Conclusion 9
Reference list 10
A comparison of first- and second-order cybernetics

Introduction
When considering psychology most think of individual psychology. But in more recent years, systems theory or cybernetics as a school of thought in psychology has grown in its influence in the field. Within cybernetics there are two different approaches, namely first-order or simple cybernetics and second-order cybernetics. What student hopes to achieve with this assignment is a better understanding of these two by exploring what sets them apart.

1 First-order cybernetics principles
In describing first-order cybernetics, Becvar and Becvar (2014) use the following principles to highlight its fundamental assumptions.

1.1 Recursion
People and events do not exist in isolation but within a context, more specifically within the relationships in which they are involved in. Recursion refers to the fact that all elements involved in a relationship influence each other as they are constantly interacting.

1.2 Feedback
It is the part of recursion that allows a system to correct itself by using the information given about past behaviours in order to make changes or remain as it is. In positive feedback change has taken place and has been embraced. On the other hand, when no change takes place it is called negative feedback.

1.3 Morphostasis/Morphogenesis
The stability of a system when the context is changing is called Morphostasis and Morphogenesis refers to changes taking place in an environment of stability.

1.4 Rules and boundaries

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