The document discusses the observer pattern, which defines a one-to-many dependency between objects so that when one object changes state, all its dependent objects are notified automatically. The observer pattern is applicable when an object's change requires changing other objects without knowing how many need changing, or when an object should notify others without knowing who they are. It provides advantages like eliminating dependencies, increasing extensibility, and improving testability. The .NET framework uses the pattern in MVC through events and delegates.