Gregory Bateson, Fourfold Vision and the Myth of Power: A Double Bind that Encourages Creativity and Wisdom

Palmer, Hugh

Abstract

This thesis discusses my writings on power in the professional fields of systemic family therapy, supervision and training and how they together make a substantive and original contribution to the field of systemic therapy. The writing emerges out of a relationship between my understanding and appreciation of the work of Gregory Bateson (9 May 1904–4 July 1980) and a reflexive process of theorising my own practice and that of colleagues.
I have selected four peer-reviewed journal articles, one book chapter and a paper from a professional magazine to illustrate and discuss the contribution and the development of my thinking.
I had been particularly interested in understanding why Gregory Bateson was so opposed to the idea of ‘power’ in connection to relationships, which ultimately led to me developing a deeper understanding of his proposed cybernetic epistemology and going on to formulate a new approach to therapy and supervision (Fourfold Vision).
The narrative that connects these papers is the exploration of the concept of systemic thinking in the context of therapy and beyond. The papers discuss how systemic thinking can be applied to address complex problems in various areas, including therapy, ecology, and cybernetics. The papers also explore the role of the therapist and how they can integrate multiple perspectives, such as science, theory, humanism, and art, to facilitate healing and transformation. In addition, the papers challenge the traditional view of power and propose a more collaborative and interconnected approach to problem-solving. Overall, this body of work emphasises the importance of systemic thinking in promoting holistic and transformative approaches to various fields and leads to connections with feminist, new materialist thinking and indigenous studies.
The papers included in this thesis are:
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Palmer, H. (2014). Steps towards fourfold vision: From the myth of power to a cybernetic unity of healing. Context 135, Warrington: AFT.
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Palmer, H. (2016) Fourfold vision and cybernetic unity: Therapist as scientist, theorist, humanist and artist. In McCarthy, I. & Simon, G. (Eds.) (2016). Systemic Therapy as Transformative Practice. Farnhill: Everything is Connected Press.
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Palmer, H. (2017). Fourfold Vision in Practice: Data, Theory, Intuition and the Art of Therapy. Human Systems: The Journal of Therapy, Consultation and Training. 28(1), 21-39.
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Palmer, H. (2021). Where did the Eco go in Systemic Practice? Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice, 4(1), 1–12. ttps://doi.org/10.28963/4.1.2
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Palmer, H. (2022). “Think different” to prevent extinction. Connecting Gregory Bateson’s Cybernetic Epistemology with Posthumanism. Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice, 5(2), 14-27. https://doi.org/10.28963/5.2.3
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Palmer, H. (2022) Systemic thinking and the myth of power. Feedback: Journal of the Family Therapy Association of Ireland. 2022, 32-41.

Citation

Palmer, H. (2024). Gregory Bateson, Fourfold Vision and the Myth of Power: A Double Bind that Encourages Creativity and Wisdom. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4910141

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 6, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 19, 2024
• Keywords: Systems sciences
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4910141
• Additional Information: Systems Sciences; Faculty of Business, Law and Politics; University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 24, 2024