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Gregory Bateson: The Double Bind and the Rise of Ecological Consciousness

Johnny Turner

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Published in Runaway: Gregory Bateson The Double Bind And The Rise Of Ecological Consciousness

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Gregory Bateson was an anthropologist, cyberneticist, and philosopher who made significant contributions to the fields of communication, ecology, and psychotherapy. He is best known for his work on the double bind, a paradoxical situation in which a person is given conflicting messages that they cannot escape. Bateson argued that the double bind is a common source of psychological distress and can lead to a variety of mental health problems, including schizophrenia. He also believed that the double bind is a metaphor for the human condition, and that it can be used to understand a wide range of social and environmental problems.

The Double Bind

The double bind is a situation in which a person is given two or more conflicting messages, and they cannot escape from either message. For example, a child may be told by their parents that they are loved, but they are also punished for expressing their feelings. This creates a double bind because the child cannot escape the conflicting messages. They cannot ignore their parents' love, but they also cannot express their feelings without being punished.

Bateson argued that the double bind is a very common source of psychological distress. He believed that it can lead to a variety of mental health problems, including schizophrenia. He also believed that the double bind is a metaphor for the human condition. He argued that we are all caught in a double bind because we are constantly bombarded with conflicting messages from our culture, our families, and our own minds.

Runaway: Gregory Bateson, the Double Bind, and the Rise of Ecological Consciousness

by Anthony Chaney

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	310 pages

The Rise of Ecological Consciousness

Bateson's work on the double bind had a profound impact on the development of ecological consciousness. He argued that the double bind is a major source of environmental problems. He believed that the double bind creates a situation in which people are unable to see the long-term consequences of their actions. He also believed that the double bind is a major source of social problems, such as war and poverty.

Bateson's work on the double bind has helped us to understand the complex relationship between humans and the environment. He showed us that we cannot solve environmental problems without also addressing the psychological and social problems that contribute to them.

Gregory Bateson was a brilliant thinker who made significant contributions to a wide range of fields. His work on the double bind has had a profound impact on our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. He showed us that we are all caught in a double bind, and that this double bind is a major source of psychological, social, and environmental problems. Bateson's work is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complex challenges facing our world today.

Runaway: Gregory Bateson, the Double Bind, and the Rise of Ecological Consciousness

by Anthony Chaney

4.2 out of 5