Review Of "Metaphors Of Interrelatedness: Toward A Systems Theory Of Psychology" By L. E. Olds

Authors

Kenneth J. Gergen, Swarthmore CollegeFollow

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

4-1-1993

Published In

Choice

Abstract

A beautifully written volume, conceptually sophisticated, richly evocative, and poetically penned. The first of Olds's aims is to review recent discussions of scientific knowledge demonstrating the significance of metaphor in building theory. Turning then to the field of psychology, she makes a case for a systems metaphor (drawing most heavily from Gregory Bateson's work) of the self. This metaphor, Olds argues, would allow psychology to escape from problematic dualisms, and to generate research and practice situating persons within a broader physical and social spectrum. Finally, Olds proposes, the systems metaphor would enable important links to be made between psychology and various spiritual or religious worldviews. Although inviting in a very general way, the volume's brevity makes it very difficult to appreciate its potential at the more specific or concrete level. In this respect, Ian Burkitt's Social Selves (CH, Sep'92) serves as a useful complement. Advanced undergraduate through faculty.

Comments

This work is freely available courtesy of Choice Reviews. The review has been reproduced in full in the abstract field.

Recommended Citation

Kenneth J. Gergen. (1993). "Review Of "Metaphors Of Interrelatedness: Toward A Systems Theory Of Psychology" By L. E. Olds". Choice. Volume 30, Issue 8. DOI: 10.5860/CHOICE.30-4689
https://works.swarthmore.edu/fac-psychology/856