Niklas Luhmann's system theory: A critical analysis
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F00216208%3A11240%2F19%3A10402936" target="_blank" >RIV/00216208:11240/19:10402936 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://verso.is.cuni.cz/pub/verso.fpl?fname=obd_publikace_handle&handle=Iv0OBTVk.Q" target="_blank" >https://verso.is.cuni.cz/pub/verso.fpl?fname=obd_publikace_handle&handle=Iv0OBTVk.Q</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.22363/2313-2272-2019-19-4-607-616" target="_blank" >10.22363/2313-2272-2019-19-4-607-616</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Niklas Luhmann's system theory: A critical analysis
Original language description
This article considers the nature of the theoretical legacy - the system theory - of the German sociologist Niklas Luhmann. The author focuses on three topics: first, he briefly describes Luhmann's ideas in the context of the contemporary sociological thought; second, he identidies how Luhmann's works are perceived today; third, he presents a new reflection on Luhmann's works. Paradigmatically, Luhmann's ideas can be attributed to the system theory, neo-functionalism and radical constructivism due to his efforts to find inspiration in natural sciences. At the same time, Luhmann found himself in the close position to the traditions of the German philosophical idealism. Although the system theory is holistic in nature, Luhmann used for its elaboration elements of the individualist-oriented approach (based on Max Weber's ideas). Thus, in Luhmann's conception, systems become holistic entities that, like individual subjects, are capable of making decisions and managing themselves. One of the strengths of Luhmann's conception is determined by his evolutionary theory consistent with random (in Luhmann's terms - contingent) development connected with the idea of an open future. As with Parsons, in Luhmann's conception we find emphasis on the consensus ensured by communication processes. However, what is missing, are the topics of work, production, conflict, struggle and violence. The current decline in the interest in Luhmann's works has been reinforced by the fact that he was unable to translate his conceptions into instruments for the empirical sociological research. Nevertheless, Luhmann's theory of a functionally differentiated society and its consequences still represents a significant stimulus for the contemporary sociological thought.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
50401 - Sociology
Result continuities
Project
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Continuities
I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace
Others
Publication year
2019
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Vestnik Rossijskogo universiteta druzhby narodov. Serija Sociologija
ISSN
2313-2272
e-ISSN
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Volume of the periodical
19
Issue of the periodical within the volume
4
Country of publishing house
RU - RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Number of pages
10
Pages from-to
607-616
UT code for WoS article
000497650300001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-85077656990