Burkean Dialectics and Solution-Focused Consultation

Gale Miller

Abstract

I apply Kenneth Burke’s dialectical perspective to SF thought and practice in this paper. Burke’s perspective complements themes in SF thought while also pointing to new theoretical and practical possibilities for the future. I discuss these possibilities by, first, reviewing key aspects of Burke’s dialectical orienta- tion to language and the construction of social realities. Of particular significance is Burke’s emphasis on using incon- gruity to foster change. This involves developing new orientations that challenge accepted understandings of social reality. I develop the implications of this idea by discussing its usefulness in understanding how solutions are constructed in SF consultations and in moving SF thought and practice forward.

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