Subsystem

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The subsystems are a part of [[Niklas Luhmann]]'s theory of [[society]].
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===Defintion===
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This theory holds that the society is divided by functionally specialised subsystems.  
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The subsystems are a part of Niklas [[Luhmann's theory of society]]. Subsystems are the individual components of which a larger system consists. The merging of these components into one overarching system is called [[system integration]]. By definition, subsystems can not "step in for, replace or even simply relieve one another" (Luhmann, 1989 in Gren & Zierhofer, 2003). The point about subsystems is that their co-existence makes the bigger picture possible. Each subsystem is a system ''an sich'', but the interaction between two or more of them, makes the systems into a subsystem, a gear wheel in a larger machine.
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These subsystems cannot be replaced by the other subsystems and they exist seperated from each other.
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Each of them have their own properties. They are caracterised by codes which are usually based on binary distinctions, programs, the way of operating and the medium which are used in the subsystem. A consequense within modern societies is that there is no metaposotion. A metaposition would give somebody the opportunity to observe a whole society or speak for a whole society. However the functional differentiation results in subsystems in society operating on the basis of a specific code. For example, ''science'' uses the code of true or false. Apart from science, no other system uses the code of true or false.  
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Subsystems operates on an internal code which is often based on binary distinction. With the binary code it is possible to see the main distinction on which a subssytem works on. Furthermore, a subssystem consists of a program, operation and medium. Programs set the context of the application of the code.
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Programs open the system to the world and they establish links between the various specialised subsystems. However, programs can change over the time, while codes are quite stable. Both programs and codes sets the possibility of observation of a system.   
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Operation is the communication process within the sub system. This is the autopoietic process, the ulitmate communication which sets the system. 
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With medium it is meant the way of communication used in an operation within a subssytem. For example in the subssystem Economy, money is the medium of communication within the operation Payment.
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===Examples===
List of more examples of subsystems are:
List of more examples of subsystems are:
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- ''Economy''  
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*''Economy''  
code: Having money / not having money
code: Having money / not having money
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medium: money, securities
medium: money, securities
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- ''Law''
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*''Law''
code: right/wrong
code: right/wrong
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medium: text of law and contracts, interpretations
medium: text of law and contracts, interpretations
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- ''Politics''
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*''Politics''
code: governement/ oppositions majority/minority
code: governement/ oppositions majority/minority
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medium: authority, legitimation, generalised approval, trust, forms of power
medium: authority, legitimation, generalised approval, trust, forms of power
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- ''Religion''
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*''Religion''
code: immanence/ transcendence
code: immanence/ transcendence
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medium: publications, presentations
medium: publications, presentations
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- ''Education''
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* ''Education''
code: satisfactory/ unsatisfactory
code: satisfactory/ unsatisfactory
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medium: qualifications, marks, diplomas, degrees, titles
medium: qualifications, marks, diplomas, degrees, titles
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===References===
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* Gren, M. & Zierhofer, W. (2003). The unity of difference: a critical appraisal of Niklas Luhmann's theory of social system in the context of corperaity and spatiality. In: Environment & Planning A. Vol. 35. pp. 615-630.
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'''References:'''
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===Contributions===
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Gren, M., Zierhofer, W., ''The unity of difference: a critical appraisal of Niklas Luhmann's theory of social systems in the context of corporeality and spatiality'', (University of Basel, 2002)
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* Page created by Meryl Burger  
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* Page improved by [[User:BoudewijnIdema]], 17 October 2011, 20:37 (UTC)
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* Page edited by Frank Simons
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Published by Meryl Burger s0801704
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* Page enhanced by --[[User:HennyLi|HennyLi]] 18:01, 21 October 2012 (CEST)
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* Page edited by [[User:TeunVanDeVen|TeunVanDeVen]] 14:28, 24 October 2012 (CEST)
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Improved by [[User:BoudewijnIdema]], 17 October 2011, 20:37 (UTC)
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* Page edited by--[[User:HennyLi|HennyLi]] 15:15, 24 October 2012 (CEST)
[[Category: Social System Theory]]
[[Category: Social System Theory]]
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Edited by Frank Simons
 

Latest revision as of 13:15, 24 October 2012

Contents

Defintion

The subsystems are a part of Niklas Luhmann's theory of society. Subsystems are the individual components of which a larger system consists. The merging of these components into one overarching system is called system integration. By definition, subsystems can not "step in for, replace or even simply relieve one another" (Luhmann, 1989 in Gren & Zierhofer, 2003). The point about subsystems is that their co-existence makes the bigger picture possible. Each subsystem is a system an sich, but the interaction between two or more of them, makes the systems into a subsystem, a gear wheel in a larger machine.

Subsystems operates on an internal code which is often based on binary distinction. With the binary code it is possible to see the main distinction on which a subssytem works on. Furthermore, a subssystem consists of a program, operation and medium. Programs set the context of the application of the code. Programs open the system to the world and they establish links between the various specialised subsystems. However, programs can change over the time, while codes are quite stable. Both programs and codes sets the possibility of observation of a system.

Operation is the communication process within the sub system. This is the autopoietic process, the ulitmate communication which sets the system. With medium it is meant the way of communication used in an operation within a subssytem. For example in the subssystem Economy, money is the medium of communication within the operation Payment.

Examples

List of more examples of subsystems are:

  • Economy

code: Having money / not having money

program: supply and demand

operation: payment

medium: money, securities

  • Law

code: right/wrong

program: laws, decrees, practice of verdicts, contracts

operation: sentence, related to cases

medium: text of law and contracts, interpretations

  • Politics

code: governement/ oppositions majority/minority

program: program for legislation party program

operations: decisions, votes, declarations

medium: authority, legitimation, generalised approval, trust, forms of power

  • Religion

code: immanence/ transcendence

program: myths, commandments

operations: creed, confession

medium: rites, prayers, oral traditions, sacred texts

- Science

code: true/false

program: notions, theories, methodologies

operations: proof or falsification of statements

medium: publications, presentations

  • Education

code: satisfactory/ unsatisfactory

program: training, professions, curriculum

operations: assessment, exam

medium: qualifications, marks, diplomas, degrees, titles

References

  • Gren, M. & Zierhofer, W. (2003). The unity of difference: a critical appraisal of Niklas Luhmann's theory of social system in the context of corperaity and spatiality. In: Environment & Planning A. Vol. 35. pp. 615-630.

Contributions

  • Page created by Meryl Burger
  • Page improved by User:BoudewijnIdema, 17 October 2011, 20:37 (UTC)
  • Page edited by Frank Simons
  • Page enhanced by --HennyLi 18:01, 21 October 2012 (CEST)
  • Page edited by TeunVanDeVen 14:28, 24 October 2012 (CEST)
  • Page edited by--HennyLi 15:15, 24 October 2012 (CEST)
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