Where epistemology is concerned, we already find ourselves in the area of the application of this theory decision, since, after all, Cognition itself is a real possible (thus improbable) Behavior.
The theory of autopoietic systems leads inevitably to epistemological positions, which are discussed today under the title "constructivism" [⇒Constructivism (Konstruktivismus)]. This certainly does not mean a return to solipsistic or idealistic epistemologies, since a difference between system and environment is always assumed. Also, the concept of cognition is greatly expanded compared to the classical true/false coding. It can best be explained by a definitional series observation – description – cognition. Observation is the use of a Distinction to denote one side (i.e.: not the other). Description is the making of a "text" (an artifact, a "script" etc.) based on observations.
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The book discussed in the preceding contributions [in: *Sinn, Kommunikation und soziale Differenzierung* (Meaning, Communication and Social Differentiation)] makes the proposal to sociology to adopt the concept of Autopoiesis and thus to gain a more profound theory of self-referential systems that also includes elementary operations.