UNSPECIFIED (2002) Can social systems be autopoietic? Assessing Luhmann's social theory. SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW, 50 (2). pp. 278-299. ISSN 0038-0261

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Abstract

The theory of autopoiesis, that is systems that are self-producing or selfconstrucing, was originally developed to explain the particular nature of living as opposed to non-living entities. It was subsequently enlarged to encompass cognition and language leading to what is known as second-order cybernetics. However, as with earlier biological theories, many authors have tried to extend the domain of the theory to encompass social systems, the most notable being Luhmann. The purpose of this article is to consider critically the extent to which the theory of autopoiesis, as originally defined. can be applied to social systems - that is, whether social systems are autopoietic. And, if it cannot, whether some weaker version might be appropriate.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Journal or Publication Title:	SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW
Publisher:	BLACKWELL PUBL LTD
ISSN:	0038-0261
Date:	May 2002
Volume:	50
Number:	2
Number of Pages:	22
Page Range:	pp. 278-299
Publication Status:	Published
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/10852

Data sourced from Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge

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