What can Wittgenstein show us about the matrix?

Abstract

This article explores the key group analytic concept of the matrix through the lens of the later philosophy of Wittgenstein. A brief summary of some of Wittgenstein’s key ideas is provided, followed by an overview of how Foulkes thought about the concept, and how his thinking evolved. It is suggested that the introduction of a transpersonal matrix to explain the way in which people can understand each other in a group, is the result of a ‘pseudo-problem’ created by linguistic confusion. It is suggested that it is unhelpful to think of the matrix as ‘scientific’, and that to do so is to confuse the ‘language game’ of science, with the ‘language game’ of group analysis. The value of seeing the matrix as metaphor is emphasized, and it is suggested that the matrix can also be seen as ‘mnemonic’ — a vital way of holding in mind the complexity of the group situation. Based on Wittgenstein’s idea that the meaning of a word is in its use, the potential benefits of gathering data from group analysts on how they themselves use and understand the matrix concept are explored, and grounded theory research is suggested as a suitable method for this.