Theory of Society, Volume 1 (Cultural Memory in the Present)

Name: Theory of Society, Volume 1 (Cultural Memory in the Present)
Price: 31.86 USD
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Book Synopsis: This first volume of Niklas Luhmann's two-part final work was initially published in German in 1997. The culmination of his thirty-year theoretical project to reconceptualize sociology, it offers a comprehensive description of modern society on a scale not attempted since Talcott Parsons.

Beginning with an account of the fluidity of meaning and the accordingly high improbability of successful communication, Luhmann analyzes a range of communicative media, including language, writing, the printing press, and electronic media as well as "success media," such as money, power, truth, and love, all of which structure this fluidity and make communication possible.

An investigation into the ways in which social systems produce and reproduce themselves, the book asks what gives rise to functionally differentiated social systems, how they evolve, and how social movements, organizations, and patterns of interaction emerge.

The advent of the computer and its networks, which trigger potentially far-reaching processes of restructuring, receive particular attention.

A concluding chapter on the semantics of modern society's self-description bids farewell to the outdated theoretical approaches of “old Europe,” that is, to ontological, holistic, ethical, and critical interpretations of society, and argues that concepts such as “the nation,” “the subject,” and “postmodernity” are vastly overrated. In their stead, “society”—long considered a suspicious term by sociologists, one open to all kinds of reification—is defined in purely operational terms. It is the always uncertain answer to the question of what comes next in all areas of communication.

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Looking for a groundbreaking read that will challenge your understanding of society? Look no further than Niklas Luhmann's Theory of Society, Volume 1 (Cultural Memory in the Present). This visionary work, first published in German in 1997, presents a comprehensive description of modern society that surpasses anything attempted since Talcott Parsons. Luhmann's thirty-year theoretical project reimagines sociology, providing an in-depth analysis of communication and social systems.

One of the key insights of Luhmann's theory is the fluidity of meaning and the challenges of successful communication in our complex world. This book dives deep into the various communicative media that shape our society, from language and writing to the advent of electronic media and the transformative power of the computer and its networks. You'll gain a profound understanding of how social systems produce and reproduce themselves, and how they evolve and adapt in the face of social movements and patterns of interaction.

What truly sets Theory of Society, Volume 1 apart is its departure from outdated theoretical approaches. Luhmann bids farewell to the traditional ontological, holistic, ethical, and critical interpretations of society that characterize "old Europe." Instead, he offers a fresh perspective, defining society in purely operational terms. By doing so, Luhmann removes the limitations imposed by concepts like "the nation," "the subject," and "postmodernity," allowing for a more accurate understanding of the ever-changing nature of communication.

If you're ready to expand your intellectual horizons and delve into the complex fabric of modern society, Theory of Society, Volume 1 (Cultural Memory in the Present) is a must-read. Gain unprecedented insights into the dynamics of communication, social systems, and the forces that shape our world. Don't miss out on this transformative work - get your copy today!

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