Epistemology of Power: Ontology Matters
Loading...
Authors
Nelson, Reba
Issue Date
2010-11-12T18:23:21Z
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Epistemology , Ontology
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper explores the implications
of an epistemology of power for
family therapists. It begins by
explicating the complementary
relationship between ontology and
epistemology Next, logical typing
and levels of abstraction are
explicated as a means of
understanding how power is reified
and confused with power as a
metaphor. Given that discussions of
power and family violence often
become entwined, the paper then
moves to the implications of an
ecosystemic epistemology in the
treatment of violence. An alternative
to the metaphor of power is offered.
The paper concludes with a
discussion of whether family
therapists have abandoned a relational
view of power in favor of seeking
how to most effectively claim and
wield power