Chapter Outline

I. Sociology and Modern Systems Theory

A. Gains from Systems Theory

1. Unified

2. Multileveled

3. Varied Relationships

4. Process

5. Integrative

6. Dynamic

B. Some General Principles

1. Mechanical, Organic, and Sociocultural Systems

2. Qualitative Differences

3. Open or Closed

4. Entropy and Negentropy

5. Feedback versus Equilibrium

6. Morphostasis and Morphogenesis

7. Mediating Systems

C. Applications to the Social World

II. Niklas Luhmann's General System Theory

A. Introduction

1. Self-Reference

2. Contingency

3. Complexity

4. System, Environment, and Simplification

B. Autopoietic Systems

1. Produce the Elements of the System

2. Self-Organizing

a. boundaries

b. internal structures

3. Self-Referential

4. Closed System

C. Society and Psychic Systems

1. Communication

2. Meaning

3. Action

D. Double Contingency

E. Evolution of Social Systems

1. Variation

2. Selection

3. Stabilization of Reproducible Characteristics

F. Differentiation

1. Segmentary

2. Stratificatory

3. Center-Periphery

4. Functional Systems

5. Code

6. Problems of Functional Differentiation

G. Luhmann's Sociology of Knowledge

H. Criticisms

1. Inevitability of Evolution

2. De-differentiation and Interpenetration

3. Relations between Systems

4. Inconsistency of Positions

III. Summary