Friday Lunchtime Reading Group in May

Jacob L. Moreno and the Origins of Action Research

Moderator: Sue Daniel

Moreno was a pioneer in action research and the concept of tele was at the centre of this. He insisted on "a transformation of the investigator from a 'participant observer' to 'social investigator'" (Josef Gunz, 1996) and of course, as we know, the role of 'social investigator' is one of the essential roles of the sociometrist, and also the psychodramatist, particularly during the interview stage of the drama.

This article shows the links and connections between tele, creativity, spontaneity and cosmology and widens the viewpoint of Moreno' philosophy and practice to include those who influenced him. Ganz also maintains that Moreno would like to understand his theories as continuations of Buddha's and Christ's teachings.

Students of Moreno included in the early days, Kurt Lewin, who it has been said is the founder of action research, Ron Lippitt, K. Benne, L. Bradford, A. Bavelas and A. Zander. Josef Gunz puts forward the idea of Moreno as "not only the founder of action research but one of the creators of a modern sociology, by continuing the epistemologies of historical forerunners, especially, Comte, Durkheim and Marx".

Reference: Josef Gunz, Jacob L. Moreno and the origins of action research, Educational Action Research, Volume 4, No. 1, 1996

Time: 12.45-1.45 pm

Remember to BYO lunch (Tea and freshly brewed coffee is served).

Fee: $10.00 for MPS members, $15.00 (non-members)

RSVP: Thursday 4 May 2017

Please contact Sue 0417 586 791 for excerpts of reading material