Abstract
Luhmann´s theory of autopoietic social systems is increasingly receiving attention in the scholarly dispute
about constructivism. > Problem . The paper explores the transition from Kant´s "transcendental/empirical"
to Luhmann´s "system/environment" distinction to provide a deepened understanding of Luhmann´s constructivist
approach. > Method . Luhmann´s construction of reality via the system/environment distinction is discussed
with respect to preceding concepts provided by philosophical and system/cybernetic scholars such as Kant, Husserl,
Piaget, von Glasersfeld, von Foerster, and Maturana & Varela. The innovativeness of Luhmann´s approach is
then critically evaluated. > Results . Luhmann´s contribution to constructivism is innovative only in the context of
his stringent theory architecture of autopoietic meaning-based systems. > Implications . The text is a contribution
to the positioning of this approach as part of the philosophical and systems/cybernetics constructivist heritage.
Originalsprache | Englisch |
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Seitenumfang | 19 |
Fachzeitschrift | Constructivist Foundations |
Issue | 1 |
Publikationsstatus | Veröffentlicht - 2012 |
Research Field
- Ehemaliges Research Field - Innovation Systems and Policy
Schlagwörter
- Theory of social systems (TSS)
- observation
- autopoiesis
- self-reference & hetero-reference
- meaning.