the luhmann challenge!!!
I challange you, Luhmannites. In 150 words or less, can you give me an example of an empirical phenomenon or puzzle that was clarified, explained, or resolved using autopoeisis or any other of Luhmann’s concepts? For example, will I understand the rise of capitalism in England better? Why African Americans have lower levels of education than Whites? Increased political polarization in America? Seriously, dudes, throw me a bone. Name me one empirical question that I can better answer because I spent the weekend reading Social Systems.* I dare you. I double dog dare you.
* And yes, I also checked out some of his “empirical” works like The Reality of the Mass Media. Still feel burned.
UPDATE: I’m changing the terms of our agreement. Every 60 minutes that pass without a clear empirical application of autopoiesis, one of these fellows will “accidentally” find themselves underneath an annotated copy of Social Systems.