Come leggere Niklas Luhmann oggi?

Alberto Cevolini; Giancarlo Corsi

doi:10.13135/2385-1945/10871

Alberto Cevolini University of Modena e Reggio Emilia
Giancarlo Corsi University of Modena e Reggio Emilia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13135/2385-1945/10871

Abstract

In this article, we address the question as to how one should read Niklas Luhmann today. Our starting distinction is between “working with the theory” and “working on the theory”. In the first case, scholars are supposed to empirically explore new fields of scientific inquiry based on the complex and articulated conceptual framework developed by the Bielefeld sociologist to understand social systems. In the second case, scholars should contribute to the development of the theory of society by overcoming internal conceptual resistances and at the same time ensuring the coherence of the achieved theoretical system. In conclusion, we suggest that the task of a sociological theory aimed at advancing the understanding of modern society should be to start from the results achieved, based on the principle that scientists should begin to search where others, in their search, have left off.

Author Biographies

Alberto Cevolini, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia

Professor of Sociology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. He was fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung at the University of Constance and visiting professor at the University of Bielefeld. He works on the sociology of cultural processes, social systems theory and the sociology of insurance.

Giancarlo Corsi, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia

Professor of Sociology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Among the leading experts on Niklas Luhmann's systems theory. His research interests focus on media and forms of education, general media theory and the public sphere.

How to Read Niklas Luhmann Today?

Abstract

Author Biographies