The Bringing Forth of Pathology

This article applies Maturana’s theory of ‘bringing forth’ reality to the clinical domain and proposes a radical change in epistemology, premised upon the changes in understanding which they propose in relation to the ontology of the phenomenon of cognition.

Abstract

This article applies Maturana's theory of 'bringing forth' reality to the clinical domain. Many common features of therapy are redefined including the notions of 'psychopathology', languaging and conversations, the family, and cognition. New concepts are introduced, notably those of the multiversa and the placing of objectivity in parenthesis. The rôle of the socially sanctioned specialist (expert) is examined and criticised for pretending to have a privileged access to an objectively existing reality. The authors propose a radical change in epistemology, premised upon the changes in understanding which they propose in relation to the ontology of the phenomenon of cognition. Particular attention is given to the orthogonality of the therapist's approach to interacting with families.