Why I am not a follower of Luhmann

In reaction to a previous writing, this essay compares Niklas Luhmann’s social science theory with political discourse studies (PDS). First, it analyses the concept of self-creation (autopoiesis), which, in Luhmann’s theory, is a super-concept explaining all of society. In PDS, autopoiesis is the formation and interpretation of an open reality. Second, the essay presents the interpretation of communicative society, which, in Luhmann’s theory, is a global world constructed and reproduced by communication. In DPS, communicative society consists of concrete discourse communities with open borders. Third, the essay examines whether there can be social spheres untouched by communication and discourse. In Luhmann’s theory, there is no such area. In PDS, such spheres are allowed to exist. Nonetheless, PDS emphasise that the human body is also part of the interpretation, although not for everybody and every community.