Introduction to Systems Theory
1. Edition October 2012
300 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Niklas Luhmann ranks as one of the most important sociologists
and social theorists of the twentieth century. Through his many
books he developed a highly original form of systems theory that
has been hugely influential in a wide variety of disciplines.
In Introduction to Systems Theory, Luhmann explains the
key ideas of general and sociological systems theory and supplies a
wealth of examples to illustrate his approach. The book offers a
wide range of concepts and theorems that can be applied to politics
and the economy, religion and science, art and education,
organization and the family. Moreover, Luhmann's ideas
address important contemporary issues in such diverse fields as
cognitive science, ecology, and the study of social movements.
This book provides all the necessary resources for readers to
work through the foundations of systems theory - no other
work by Luhmann is as clear and accessible as this. There is also
much here that will be of great interest to more advanced scholars
and practitioners in sociology and the social sciences.
System-Autopoiesis-Form: An Introduction to Luhmann's 'Introduction
to Systems Theory'
Editor's Preface to the German Edition
I. Sociology and Systems Theory
1. The Functionalism of System Maintenance
2. Parsons
II. General Systems Theory
1. The Theory of Open Systems
2. System as Difference (Formal Analysis)
3. Operational Closure
4. Self-Organization, Autopoiesis
5. Structural Coupling
6. Observing
7. Re-entry
8. Complexity
9. The Idea of Rationality
III. Time
IV. Meaning
V. Psychic and Social Systems
1. Problems of "Action Theory"
2. Two Modes of Operation of Autopoiesis
VI. Communication as a Self-Observing Operation
VII. Double Contingency, Structure, Conflict
Suggested Further Readings
show Luhmann at the height of his powers. They offer a unique
insight into the engine room of arguably the world's most famous
systems theorist. It is indeed a brilliant mind that is at work
here; very few other social scientists would be able to perform at
such a level. Particularly for students and readers who are not
familiar with Luhmann's style of thought, this is an ideal
introduction to systems theory by the man himself.'
Andreas Hess, University College Dublin
'Niklas Luhmann is the closest the social sciences have come, in
a long time, to an actual thinker. This book is an indispensable
introduction to Luhmann's unique version of systems theory
and required reading to all concerned about theoretical sociology.
It offers a rare glimpse into the experimental workings of an
extraordinary sociological mind at work.'
Stephan Fuchs, University of Virginia