Artikel

Zin en systeem

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Abstract

Meaning and system - Niklas Luhmann presents his theory of social systems as a comprehensive theory of society that is able to absorb all the relevant sociological sub theories and programmes. From the sixties onwards Luhmann has tried to enforce this claim to universality by detaching the concept of ‘meaning’ (Sinn) from its original hermeneutic and action-theoretical background, recasting it into the mould of his ‘functional-structuralistic’ theory of social systems. In the present article the thus redefined concept of meaning, which occupies a central position in Luhmann’s entire theoretical framework, will be analysed and examined in the light of this general system theory. It will be argued that Luhmann is not successful when he tries to demonstrate the superiority of his theoretical strategy: within a sociological context his use of a concept of meaning which is first of all designed as a principle of reduction of complexity, becomes entangled in contradictions when, contrary to his own sociological tradition (stemming from T. Parsons), Luhmann is forced to postulate the double-contingent nature of social interaction as a positive function of the shaping and endurance of social systems. In a closing remark the idea will be put forward that it is precisely this reference to a modal theoretical notion of social interaction that renders Luhmann’s enterprise important and that makes it worthwhile to reflect on his sometimes rather esoteric and abstract perception of sociology.

How to Cite:

Blom, T., (1986) “Zin en systeem”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen 31(1), 22–53. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.94916