Two representations of the social order problem in the sociological theory of Niklas Luhmann

Abstract

In this article we propose that in the sociological theory of Niklas Luhmann is possible to reconstruct two different treatments regarding the problem of social order. On the one hand, a problem which is related to the recognition of an order of reality that is social in its own right; and on the other hand, one that is connected with the matter of regulation and control over the action. This duality is particularly observable when we analyze the different meanings and valuations that the problem of contingency of action has in the elaboration of the general proposal of the author. The analysis allows us to present the hypothesis that in social theory, there is diversity not only in the answers granted to the problem of order, but also in the ways in which the problem is conceived.