Constructivism

We live in an interpreted world. Constructivism is a theory of knowledge that postulates human beings construct new knowledge rather than receive it. This knowledge construction occurs within a social context. New knowledge and meaning are generated by the interaction of an individual’s experience, ideas, and relationships with others. Constructivism has gained traction [Page 347]in the postmodern era and has influenced many disciplines. Constructivist roots may be found in Western philosophies (e.g., the work of Immanuel Kant), Asian philosophies (Buddhism), education (the work of John Dewey, Paulo Freire), 20th-century psychology (Alfred Adler, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, George Kelly), contemporary psychology (Michael Mahoney, Robert Neimeyer), and in other disciplines such as cultural anthropology. The assumptions of a constructivist approach may offer many opportunities relative to therapeutic ...