The Unity of Difference: A Critical Appraisal of Niklas Luhmann's Theory of Social Systems in the Context of Corporeality and Spatiality

Abstract

Niklas Luhmann was one of the most innovative and productive social theorists of the 20th century. He developed a comprehensive and distinctive social theory and his ideas have enriched many disciplines. Yet, only few geographers have engaged with his work. Convinced of its qualities, our intention is to stimulate a critical reception of his theory among human geographers. Here an introduction into his theory of social systems is provided, and the possibilities for a geography of social systems is explored. A key element of our proposal is a differential notion of space as a possibility of distinction, which complements Luhmann's epistemological notion of time. Our conclusion is that a geography of social systems would have to set out conceptually from accessibility systems, which are systems that encompass communications, their necessary physical and ecological environment, as well as their coordination in various dimensions of space and time.