Systems Differentiation ? the Risk Potential of Contemporary Society

Abstract

This paper is based on the ideas of systems theory as formulated by Niklas Luhmann. Luhmann?s analysis presents contemporary society as a whole differentiated into functionally dependent yet autonomous sub-systems that constitute neighbouring worlds for each other.

In Luhmann?s view the main problem is the non-existence of means of ?metacommunication?.

Keywords

• Systems
• Differentiation
• Luhmannem
• Contemporary
• society