ISBN:
3631604505
,
9783631604502
,
9783631604502
,
9783653004472
Language:
English
Pages:
311 p
Edition:
Online-Ausg. 2011 Available via World Wide Web
Parallel Title:
Print version Disillusioning Modernity : Niklas Luhmann's Social and Political Theory
DDC:
301.092
Keywords:
Electronic books
Abstract:
Includes bibliographical references (p. [269]-299) and index
Abstract:
pt. 1. The structure of Luhmann's theory -- pt. 2. Politics in Luhmann's theory
Abstract:
The work of Niklas Luhmann is the most innovative and comprehensive attempt to describe modern society. His views, in turn, have triggered the most intensive criticism ever in social sciences. This book presents his extraordinarily complex theory in a step-by-step fashion and in a way understandable for those who are not familiar with his thought. It examines his views on politics, which, the author argues, is the best way to demonstrate the provocative character of his theory. The book not only facilitates the understanding of Luhmann's theory but is also useful for getting an insight into th
Description / Table of Contents:
Contents; Introduction 11; PART I: The Structure of Luhmann's Theory; CHAPTER ONE: General Characterization of Luhmann's Theory 17; A) Luhmann's Theoretical Objectives 17; B) The Circular Structure of Luhmann's Theory 20; C) The Levels of Abstraction in Luhmann's Theory 24; D) The Explanatory Power of Luhmann's Theory 29; E) The Relation of Luhmann's Theory to Philosophy 32; F) The Way to Reconstruct Luhmann's Theory 34; CHAPTER TWO: General Systems Theory 39; A) System as Difference 39; B) Observation as Operation 42; C) Operational Closure and Autopoiesis 46; D) Structure 49
Description / Table of Contents:
E) Structural Coupling 52F) Meaning 55; G) Complexity 57; CHAPTER THREE: Theory of Social Systems 61; A) Defining Communication 62; B) Communication and Its Environment 66; C) Systems Theory and Action Theory 68; D) Double Contingency 71; CHAPTER FOUR: Theory of Society 77; A) Interaction, Organization, Society, and Protest Movements 78; B) World Society 80; C) Communication Media 82; i) Language 84; ii) Dissemination Media 86; iii) Symbolically Generalized Communication Media 89; D) Theory of Evolution 93; i) General Theory of Evolution 95; ii) Societal Evolution 98
Description / Table of Contents:
E) Differentiation of Society 102i) Segmentary, Center/Periphery, and Stratificatory Differentiation 105; ii) Functionally Differentiated Society 107; iii) Societal Integration 113; CHAPTER FIVE: Societal Structure and Semantics 117; A) Semantics 118; B) Sociology Of Knowledge 120; C) Semantics Of Stratified Society 126; D) Transition To Modernity 128; E) Semantics Of Modern Society 134; PART II: Politics in Luhmann's Theory; CHAPTER SIX: Theory of Politics 139; A) Politics as Functional Subsystem 140; i) The Function of Politics 140; ii) Power 141
Description / Table of Contents:
iii) The Differentiation of Political System 143iv) The Binary Code of Politics 145; B) State 147; C) Legitimation 151; D) Democracy 160; E) Public Opinion and Public Sphere 163; F) Welfare State 168; G) Summary 172; CHAPTER SEVEN: Luhmann's Theory in the Context of Social and Political Philosophy 175; A) Realism versus Constructivism 176; B) Methodological Individualism versus Methodological Collectivism 197; C) Universal Human Rights versus Cultural Relativism 206; D) Ideologies 216; i) Conservatism 219; ii) Liberalism 222; iii) Social Democracy 225; iv) Summary 229
Description / Table of Contents:
CHAPTER EIGHT: The Criticism of Luhmann's Theory 231A) Criticisms of Luhmann's Theory 233; B) The Essentially Distinct Character of Politics 241; C) The Unworkability of Luhmann's Political Theory 249; Conclusion 259; Bibliography 269; Index 301;
Note:
Description based upon print version of record
,
Available via World Wide Web
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