[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# The Autopoietic Character of Society

## Details

**Authors** Demetis D

**Year** 2023

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-13

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Systems Science

**Secondary disciplines** Sociology

**Reading level** technical

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.0000013) 
10.54120/jost.0000013

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Following the articulation of the concept of autopoiesis in the biological realm by Maturana and Varela, this chapter introduces the basic principles and questions that led to the development of social autopoiesis. In exploring the developments around the autopoietic character of society, this chapter focuses on the core ideas behind Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory as an abstraction and expansion of the biologically-inspired autopoiesis. The central ideas around Luhmann’s decision to operationalise the system/environment distinction as a society/human distinction are discussed while the principles of the different function subsystems of society are outlined. A sample of applications that apply Luhmann’s ideas are provided and one of these cases is expanded.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A chapter introducing social autopoiesis: from Maturana and Varela's biological concept to Niklas Luhmann's social systems theory.

### What they found (results)

Luhmann operationalizes the system/environment distinction as society/human, with society differentiated into function subsystems — illustrated through applications, one expanded in detail.

## Commentary

### In short

Introduces social autopoiesis and Niklas Luhmann's theory of society as self-producing systems.

### Response

Published in the Handbook of Systems Thinking (Cabrera, Cabrera & Midgley, eds., 2023), a volume built on the premise that systems thinking now has a universal theory—DSRP-484. Its contents were selected on that basis by its editorial team in concert with a team of advisors.

**Patterns it shows** D, S

## Refers to

- [Handbook of Systems Thinking](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/382)

**How to cite this** Demetis D (2023). The Autopoietic Character of Society. Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-13.