For some decades now, the world of social and human sciences has been dealing with a theory of social systems that many people find scandalous, while others are fascinated, even enthusiastic, about this very theory. It is associated with the name Niklas Luhmann and was essentially developed in Bielefeld, which is why it is sometimes referred to as systems theory of 'Bielefeld provenance', to distinguish it from other theories that also use the term system.
What is perceived as scandalous about this theory is quickly named. Firstly, it assumes that social systems are not composed of people, that they do not contain people, consciousness, subjects or bodies. Secondly, it claims to be a universal theory that sets out to explain social phenomena comprehensively and exhaustively in a situation in which it is assumed that omnipotent theories or ultimate narratives of the world are no longer permissible. Thirdly, and finally, it produces very abstract concepts and models of thought, highly abstract concepts that refuse any applicability (in the meaning of a technique for improving the world).
It does all this, as one might say, in a kind of 'ironic realism': theory will take place in a questioning of common ways of thinking and seeing, not in instruction and moral judgement.
The claim of this theory can be characterised by the sentence "I see something you don't see". It does not want to forbid anyone to be outraged and to get involved, but Luhmann's motto "Good spirit is dry" applies to the theory. It's about thinking soberly with a cool head. This attitude is forcedly unsentimental, there is nothing heartwarming about it, and that may be the reason why it is difficult to accept for pedagogical theory and practice.
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Peter Fuchs, Soziale Systeme, Systemtheorie – Was leisten Hochabstraktionen?