99,733 research outputs found
The Self-Organization of Meaning and the Reflexive Communication of Information
Following a suggestion of Warren Weaver, we extend the Shannon model of
communication piecemeal into a complex systems model in which communication is
differentiated both vertically and horizontally. This model enables us to
bridge the divide between Niklas Luhmann's theory of the self-organization of
meaning in communications and empirical research using information theory.
First, we distinguish between communication relations and correlations among
patterns of relations. The correlations span a vector space in which relations
are positioned and can be provided with meaning. Second, positions provide
reflexive perspectives. Whereas the different meanings are integrated locally,
each instantiation opens global perspectives--"horizons of meaning"--along
eigenvectors of the communication matrix. These next-order codifications of
meaning can be expected to generate redundancies when interacting in
instantiations. Increases in redundancy indicate new options and can be
measured as local reduction of prevailing uncertainty (in bits). The systemic
generation of new options can be considered as a hallmark of the
knowledge-based economy.Comment: accepted for publication in Social Science Information, March 21,
201
The Communication of Meaning and the Structuration of Expectations: Giddens' "structuration theory" and Luhmann's "self-organization"
The communication of meaning as different from (Shannon-type) information is
central to Luhmann's social systems theory and Giddens' structuration theory of
action. These theories share an emphasis on reflexivity, but focus on meaning
along a divide between inter-human communication and intentful action as two
different systems of reference. Recombining these two theories into a theory
about the structuration of expectations, interactions, organization, and
self-organization of intentional communications can be simulated based on
algorithms from the computation of anticipatory systems. The self-organizing
and organizing layers remain rooted in the double contingency of the human
encounter which provides the variation. Organization and self-organization of
communication are reflexive upon and therefore reconstructive of each other.
Using mutual information in three dimensions, the imprint of meaning processing
in the modeling system on the historical organization of uncertainty in the
modeled system can be measured. This is shown empirically in the case of
intellectual organization as "structurating" structure in the textual domain of
scientific articles
The Non-linear Dynamics of Meaning-Processing in Social Systems
Social order cannot be considered as a stable phenomenon because it contains
an order of reproduced expectations. When the expectations operate upon one
another, they generate a non-linear dynamics that processes meaning. Specific
meaning can be stabilized, for example, in social institutions, but all meaning
arises from a horizon of possible meanings. Using Luhmann's (1984) social
systems theory and Rosen's (1985) theory of anticipatory systems, I submit
equations for modeling the processing of meaning in inter-human communication.
First, a self-referential system can use a model of itself for the
anticipation. Under the condition of functional differentiation, the social
system can be expected to entertain a set of models; each model can also
contain a model of the other models. Two anticipatory mechanisms are then
possible: one transversal between the models, and a longitudinal one providing
the modeled systems with meaning from the perspective of hindsight. A system
containing two anticipatory mechanisms can become hyper-incursive. Without
making decisions, however, a hyper-incursive system would be overloaded with
uncertainty. Under this pressure, informed decisions tend to replace the
"natural preferences" of agents and an order of cultural expectations can
increasingly be shaped
Communicative Competencies and the Structuration of Expectations: The creative tension between Habermas' critical theory and Luhmann's social systems theory
I elaborate on the tension between Luhmann's social systems theory and
Habermas' theory of communicative action, and argue that this tension can be
resolved by focusing on language as the interhuman medium of the communication
which enables us to develop symbolically generalized media of communication
such as truth, love, power, etc. Following Luhmann, the layers of
self-organization among the differently codified subsystems of communication
versus organization of meaning at contingent interfaces can analytically be
distinguished as compatible, yet empirically researchable alternatives to
Habermas' distinction between "system" and "lifeworld." Mediation by a
facilitator can then be considered as a special case of organizing historically
contingent translations among the evolutionarily developing fluxes of
intentions and expectations. Accordingly, I suggest modifying Giddens'
terminology into "a theory of the structuration of expectations.
"Meaning" as a sociological concept: A review of the modeling, mapping, and simulation of the communication of knowledge and meaning
The development of discursive knowledge presumes the communication of meaning
as analytically different from the communication of information. Knowledge can
then be considered as a meaning which makes a difference. Whereas the
communication of information is studied in the information sciences and
scientometrics, the communication of meaning has been central to Luhmann's
attempts to make the theory of autopoiesis relevant for sociology. Analytical
techniques such as semantic maps and the simulation of anticipatory systems
enable us to operationalize the distinctions which Luhmann proposed as relevant
to the elaboration of Husserl's "horizons of meaning" in empirical research:
interactions among communications, the organization of meaning in
instantiations, and the self-organization of interhuman communication in terms
of symbolically generalized media such as truth, love, and power. Horizons of
meaning, however, remain uncertain orders of expectations, and one should
caution against reification from the meta-biological perspective of systems
theory
Anticipation and the Non-linear Dynamics of Meaning-Processing in Social Systems
Social order does not exist as a stable phenomenon, but can be considered as
"an order of reproduced expectations." When anticipations operate upon one
another, they can generate a non-linear dynamics which processes meaning.
Although specific meanings can be stabilized, for example in social
institutions, all meaning arises from a global horizon of possible meanings.
Using Luhmann's (1984) social systems theory and Rosen's (1985) theory of
anticipatory systems, I submit algorithms for modeling the non-linear dynamics
of meaning in social systems. First, a self-referential system can use a model
of itself for the anticipation. Under the condition of functional
differentiation, the social system can be expected to entertain a set of
models; each model can also contain a model of the other models. Two
anticipatory mechanisms are then possible: a transversal one between the
models, and a longitudinal one providing the system with a variety of meanings.
A system containing two anticipatory mechanisms can become hyper-incursive.
Without making decisions, however, a hyper-incursive system would be overloaded
with uncertainty. Under this pressure, informed decisions tend to replace the
"natural preferences" of agents and a knowledge-based order can increasingly be
shaped
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