Metaphors of Interrelatedness

Toward a Systems Theory of Psychology

By Linda E. Olds

Subjects: Constructive Postmodernism
Series: SUNY series, Alternatives in Psychology
Paperback : 9780791410127, 234 pages, October 1992
Hardcover : 9780791410110, 234 pages, October 1992

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Table of contents

Preface
Introduction: Mindscapes and Metaphor
Part One: Bare Bones
Prologue
Chapter 1. Knowledge as Approximation
Chapter 2. The Necessity of Metaphor
Chapter 3. Broadening the Research Paradigm

Part Two: Flesh and Tissue
Prologue
Chapter 4. Metaphors for the Self
Chapter 5. Models of Interrelatedness: The Emergence of Systems Theory
Chapter 6. Toward a Process Psychology: Systems Metaphors of Self and Change

Part Three: Indra's Net
Prologue
Chapter 7. Images of Wholeness: Toward a Unifying Systems Metaphor

Notes
Bibliography
Index

Description

Olds examines the role of metaphor and models in psychology, science, and religion and argues the case for systems theory as a contemporary unifying metaphor across domains, with particular emphasis on clarifying its potential for psychology.

Linda E. Olds is Professor of Psychology at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. She is also the author of Fully Human.

Reviews

"In an era of ever increasing specialization, both within psychology and between psychology and other 'fields,' this book opens the doors and windows and lets in fresh air. It is a courageous inquiry into knowing in the broadest sense, and a defense of the necessity of this broadest sense if we are to have real progress. If there is hope for the academy to recapture a sense of intellectual mission, instead of functioning as a holding company for nervously competing interests, it will come from books like this one. " — Michael A. Wallach, Duke University

"I found it to be a highly intelligent, extremely well organized introduction to the new wave criticism of mainline behavioristic and rationalistic disciplines. " — David L. Hall, University of Texas

"I believe that Metaphors of Interrelatedness will revitalize and give fresh dimension to the liberal arts. It was a treat to read. " — Jane L. Evanson, Alaska Pacific University