Tetralemma (Strukturaufstellung)
The tetralemma in systemic structure constellation is an adaptation of a logical scheme from Indian logic (see tetralemma ) developed by Insa Sparrer and Matthias Varga von Kibéd for use in the area of systemic coaching, counseling and therapy and systemic structure constellation . The scope for decision-making and action is to be expanded in the event of a so-called “dilemma”.
Use of the tetralemma in Indian logic
The logical figure of the tetralemma can be found in various Indian texts, especially in Indian logic and there, among others, in Nagarjuna , one of the most important and earliest thinkers of Mahayana Buddhism . The scheme found there consists of a sequence of four types of statements which, taken together, logically exhaust the possible positions on observations or questions, for example:
A (existence)
Not A (non-existence)
A and not-A (both existence and non-existence)
Neither A nor Not-A (Neither existence nor nonexistence)
Nagarjuna added a fifth position to these four positions, which contains a kind of double negation: First, the fifth position denies the justification of all these individual positions through a kind of comprehensive skepticism towards any kind of knowledge. In a second step, it denies itself, so it does not take any position in this sense and thus becomes a fifth “non-position”.
The tetralemma as a process
Matthias Varga von Kibéd and Insa Sparrer have adapted this negative tetralemma, as it appears in Nagarjuna, and developed a process scheme from it using the technique of systemic structure constellation, which is now used in many different areas of social science as well as by systemic therapists and consultants. It is considered a means of deconstruction [1] that can also be used successfully in addiction prevention, for example. [2] [3]
The starting point is two decision-making options that initially seem to be mutually exclusive, i.e. a dilemma with two positions:
1st position: The one
2nd position: The other
The first step out of this dilemma is to take a position called “both”.
3rd position: Both.
Only one possibility for such a “both” position is compromise. In addition, about another 20 categories are described through which two opposing or polar appearing positions can be connected. Important examples of such both forms are: sham contrast, over-summative connection, paradoxical connection, iteration, context change or the variant "Let the power of the unelected flow into the chosen", a phrase that originally came from Martin Buber and about Bert Hellinger in the constellation work has flowed in. In
practice, for example, the tetralemma has been used in the area of product development to creatively combine opposing positions in the areas of sales and production. [4]As a further example, the "civil society project" is presented as a form of both that aims to dissolve the dichotomy of state and market, common good and self-interest, etc. [5]
An additional step can lead to a 4th position, “neither of the two”. Since the context changes here, this step is called “external reframing”. The question as a whole and thus also positions 1 and 2 lose their strict validity.
4th position: neither
A fifth position should also lead beyond the fourth position and correspond to a strong, self-negating form, a "reflexive pattern interruption", which should make it possible to break away from all four previous positions and to leave the entire complex of questions. The original dilemmatic question no longer requires an answer, but dissolves.
5th position: Not all of this and not even that.
Whoever walks through the tetralemma up to this point ("The tetralemma is a landscape that changes while we wander through it and by doing that." [6] ) should find himself in a new, first, "more mature" position. The tetralemma can be reopened from there and in this respect has no goal, but rather resembles a turning spiral, in which every new circle represents a new beginning and which in principle could be turned on without end.
Literature and materials
Insa Sparrer, Matthias Varga von Kibéd: On the contrary, tetralemma work and other basic forms of systemic structural constellations - for lateral thinkers and those who want to become one. 6th edition. Carl Auer, Heidelberg 2009, ISBN 978-3-89670-686-7 .
Fritz B. Simon, Matthias Varga von Kibéd: Wiesloch Dialogue, Tetralemma, Constructivism and Structural Constellations. Ferrari Media, Aachen 2008, ISBN 978-3-942131-03-2 . (DVD)
Heiko Kleve in: Bernd Birgmeier, Eric Mührel (ed.): Social work science and its theory (s). Positions, controversies, perspectives. VS Verlag 2009, ISBN 978-3-531-16137-2 , p. 106.
Arist von Schlippe, Jochen Schweitzer: Textbook for systemic therapy and advice. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2006, ISBN 3-525-46256-5 , pp. 204-207.
Rudolf Klein: On finding the search - the problem-solution balance in working with people who drink addicts. In: Hans Schindler, Arist von Schlippe (Ed.): Fields of application of systemic practice. A manual. Verlag modern learn, Dortmund 2005, ISBN 3-938187-21-2 , pp. 71–90.
Bernd Schäppl, Manfred Kirchgeorg: Manual product development. Hanser Verlag, 2005, p. 96.
Gralf-Peter Calliess: Cross-border consumer contracts. Mohr Siebeck, 2006, ISBN 3-16-148848-2 , p. 231.
Heiko Kleve in: Bernd Birgmeier, Eric Mührel (ed.): Social work science and its theory (s). Positions, controversies, perspectives. VS Verlag, 2009, ISBN 978-3-531-16137-2 , p. 106.
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