INTRODUCING CAUSALITY AND POWER INTO FAMILY THERAPY THEORY: A CORRECTION TO THE SYSTEMIC PARADIGM

This paper proposes that concepts of causality and power are compatible with a systemic paradigm based on the cybernetics of Ashby, rather than that of Bateson. The repudiation of causality and power by Bateson and his adherents is criticized; the related Batesonian biases against "quantity" and "logic" are also addressed. Batesonian arguments against causality are examined in reference to philosophical theories of causation. Relevant aspects of Ashby's cybernetic theory are contrasted with the Batesonian position. Some implications of a systemic paradigm which incorporates concepts of causality and power are drawn.