Still disturbing

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to show how students of today react to Bateson's texts when they are not integrated in a semantic explanation.

Design/methodology/approach

Students of social work at the University of Dresden were asked to develop plans for a certain social problem. Afterwards they studied certain texts of Bateson. Finally, they had to review their former plans.

Findings

Bateson's thoughts are still disturbing for today's students. However, if they are able to connect his thoughts with their own problems there is a good chance of opening ways for a more complex thinking.

Originality/value

The paper shows how Bateson's legacy might be used today.

Citation

Rudolph, M. (2007), "Still disturbing", Kybernetes, Vol. 36 No. 7/8, pp. 946-948. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920710777469