Niklas Luhmann's system theory: A critical analysis

Kód výsledku v 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>

Výsledek na webu

<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>

Jazyk výsledku

angličtina

Název v původním jazyce

Niklas Luhmann's system theory: A critical analysis

Popis výsledku v původním jazyce

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&apos;s ideas in the context of the contemporary sociological thought; second, he identidies how Luhmann&apos;s works are perceived today; third, he presents a new reflection on Luhmann&apos;s works. Paradigmatically, Luhmann&apos;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&apos;s ideas). Thus, in Luhmann&apos;s conception, systems become holistic entities that, like individual subjects, are capable of making decisions and managing themselves. One of the strengths of Luhmann&apos;s conception is determined by his evolutionary theory consistent with random (in Luhmann&apos;s terms - contingent) development connected with the idea of an open future. As with Parsons, in Luhmann&apos;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&apos;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&apos;s theory of a functionally differentiated society and its consequences still represents a significant stimulus for the contemporary sociological thought.

Název v anglickém jazyce

Niklas Luhmann's system theory: A critical analysis

Popis výsledku anglicky

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&apos;s ideas in the context of the contemporary sociological thought; second, he identidies how Luhmann&apos;s works are perceived today; third, he presents a new reflection on Luhmann&apos;s works. Paradigmatically, Luhmann&apos;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&apos;s ideas). Thus, in Luhmann&apos;s conception, systems become holistic entities that, like individual subjects, are capable of making decisions and managing themselves. One of the strengths of Luhmann&apos;s conception is determined by his evolutionary theory consistent with random (in Luhmann&apos;s terms - contingent) development connected with the idea of an open future. As with Parsons, in Luhmann&apos;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&apos;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&apos;s theory of a functionally differentiated society and its consequences still represents a significant stimulus for the contemporary sociological thought.

Druh

J_imp - Článek v periodiku v databázi Web of Science

CEP obor

—

OECD FORD obor

50401 - Sociology

Projekt

—

Návaznosti

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Rok uplatnění

2019

Kód důvěrnosti údajů

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Název periodika

Vestnik Rossijskogo universiteta druzhby narodov. Serija Sociologija

ISSN

2313-2272

e-ISSN

—

Svazek periodika

19

Číslo periodika v rámci svazku

4

Stát vydavatele periodika

RU - Ruská federace

Počet stran výsledku

10

Strana od-do

607-616

Kód UT WoS článku

000497650300001

EID výsledku v databázi Scopus

2-s2.0-85077656990