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International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

225759

In the multiverse what is real?

Luhmann, complexity and ant

Barbara MautheThomas E Webb

pp. 243-262

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to examine Luhmann's theory of the social as representing reality by engaging in a dialogue with two rival theories, that of complexity theory and Actor-Network theory (ANT), which appear incommensurable with an autopoietic perspective. The purpose of this juxtaposition is to challenge Luhmann's autopoietic self-constructed perception of reality. The assertion of this chapter is that each approach offers a different and equally legitimate understanding of society and that the notion of society can accommodate multiple realities. In other words, society can be represented as a multiverse and not a single unique universe.

Publication details

Published in:

la Cour Anders, Philippopoulos-Mihalopoulos Andreas (2013) Luhmann observed: radical theoretical encounters. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Pages: 243-262

DOI: 10.1057/9781137015297_13

Full citation:

Mauthe Barbara, Webb Thomas E (2013) „In the multiverse what is real?: Luhmann, complexity and ant“, In: A. La Cour & A. Philippopoulos-Mihalopoulos (eds.), Luhmann observed, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 243–262.