NCJ Number
141274
Journal
Mediation Quarterly Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 179-186
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article expands upon Auerswald's discussion of ecological epistemology and analyzes the role of the mediator in terms of Auerswald's ecological epistemological model.
Abstract
The basic premise of Auerswald's theory is that humankind is an endangered species on a collision course with self- destruction unless steps are taken to deal with human problems in an ecological way. The mediator fits better than the lawyer into Auerswald's positive ecological role. Often, the process of mediation performs the kind of role Auerswald envisions, i.e., mobilizing and coordinating the necessary information to negotiate and survive either an individual or community crisis. Increased flexibility is the emphasis in order for the mediation process to be appropriate to the needs of the particular case. Additionally, the mediation setting has been expanded substantially in an ecological direction as it increasingly has been opened up to outside influences. Similarly, the mediation agenda and methods have been expanded and made more flexible. 4 references