Abstract:

The contributions of Bateson (1904-1980) constitute the central core of the cross-disciplinary theoretical orientation that originated the creation of the network of thought intercalated with Watzlawick, Weakland, Beavin, Fish, Jackson, Erickson, Foster, Haley, Satir, among others. These authors, linked by a common theoretical valorisation of the ecology of the human spirit, shared a vision of communication as a process and system of symbolic and transactional interaction, and the confrontation of ideas that partook in constructing the orchestral theory of communication (Watzlawick et al. 1967), considered a current landmark in the horizon of the study of human communication.
Beyond the scope of the object of analysis in which it was created - face to face communication - this is being applied to the analysis of institutionally mediated communication and to an understanding of the construction of learning and change in institutional and organisational environments. However, its assumptions are insufficient in not allowing for the analysis of communication mediated by the technological artefacts that the communication process contains. The present communication outlines the critical foundations of the theory in question, attempts a review and proposes the inclusion of the medium-message axiom as a means to address and enhance the understanding and analysis of the communication process within the logic of the Ecology of the Human Spirit.

Keywords:

Communication, Medium, Message, Information, Pos-industrial society.