The Collaboration between First-Order and Second-Order Observations
Language: English
However, in works such as "Risk: A Sociological Theory" and "Art as a Social System," he also discussed the limitations and difficulties of second-order observation. He argued for the necessity of a "return to the level of first-order observation” and the "structural coupling between first-order and second-order observation."
Functional systems such as science, politics, and art operate at the level of second-order observation. However, the thorough application of second-order observation can lead to perspectivism, relativism, incommensurability, and excessive intransparency, thereby destabilizing the connectivity of their operations (communication). Therefore, Luhmann argued that functional systems also require reference points or commonalities at the level of first-order observations.
The purpose of this session is to examine the limitations and difficulties of second-order observation and to theoretically and empirically explore the significance of both first-order and second-order observations, as well as their potential collaboration by using phenomena from various fields such as art, economy, politics, risk and so on.