Reflections on learning and addiction: porpoises and palm trees

Abstract

Purpose

To provide a glimpse into Gregory Bateson's thought processes about addiction and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This piece is a combination of a transcribed and edited lecture called Civilizations and addiction II, and a previously unpublished piece from the Angel's Fear manuscripts, “Definition of Addiction.”

Findings

Addiction is examined as a relationship between two or more entities.

Practical implications

This paper may provide a different and more integrated understanding of addiction. It may also lead to further research, into re‐thinking the nature addiction, and subsequent courses of action to get through addictive situations.

Originality/value

This paper forms a valuable insight into numerous current cultural, social and individual issues dealing with addiction, and achieving higher levels of learning.

Citation

Bateson, G. (2007), "Reflections on learning and addiction: porpoises and palm trees", Kybernetes, Vol. 36 No. 7/8, pp. 985-999. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920710777504