Niklas Luhmann and Critical Systems Theorie

Möller, Kolja von und Siri, Jasmin (2023): Niklas Luhmann and Critical Systems Theorie. In: Rogowski, Ralf (ed.) : The Anthem Companion to Niklas Luhmann. Anthem Companions to Sociology, London: Anthem Press. pp. 141-154

Abstract

It is a widespread assertion in sociology and social theory that systems theory is uncritical. This belief is articulated by theories that call upon society to change (itself, its structure, its inner logics). We want to argue that these assertions conceal the critical potentials which are inherent in Luhmann’s social systems theory. Admittedly, Luhmann was critical about critical theory and embarked on a controversy with Jürgen Habermas and others about the state of critical theory in the 1960s and 1970s.¹ His point of departure was that critical theory was still indebted to ‘old-European assumptions’ about how societies are evolving.² He...

• Item Type: Book Section
• Faculties: Social Sciences > Department of Sociology (IfS)
• Subjects: 300 Social sciences > 300 Social sciences, sociology and anthropology
• ISBN: 978-1-83998-489-1 ; 978-1-83998-488-4
• Place of Publication: London
• Language: English