Four Philosophical Insights that make a Difference in SF

Anton Stellamans & Mark McKergow

Introduction by Mark McKergow

This talk is vitally important in taking a more detailed and inclusive view of Solution Focused (SF) practice. While some are content to insist that there is no theory in SF, this is not a view which will help us expands and develop the field and engage with academics and thinkers from other fields.

Anton Stellamans is perhaps the best guide to this subtle territory. His background in philosophy sits easily and confidently with his decades of learning and practice in the SF world. During this recording from SF24 in 2026, he skilfully unpacks some of the philosophical underpinnings of SF work. The question is not whether there is any theory (there must be), but what kind of theory we might find useful.

Anton gives a ‘tour of the philosophy department’, stopping at different places (ethics, ontology, anthropology, language) where we might find illumination and inspiration. Anton effortlessly draws on quotes and writings from Steve de Shazer, Eve Lipchik and other leading names from the SF world, and connects them with philosophers both familiar and less familiar. He has a particular regard for Emmanuel Levinas and his incisive thinking about ethics.

What particularly strikes me watching this talk is the importance of flux, the challenge of continuous change as a starting point. When I joined the SF community over thirty years ago these ideas were peripheral, if visible at all. Now Anton presents them as crucial.

This is a stunning contribution to the SFiO library and to the wider community of thoughtful and engaged Solution Focused practitioners and researchers.

Download the slides below

The Presentation

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