Observing community : an inquiry into the meaning of community based on Luhmann's general theory of society

摘要: OBSERVING COMMUNITY: AN INQUIRY INTO THE MEANING OF COMMUNITY BASED ON LUHMANN’S GENERAL THEORY SOCIETY David John Connell Advisor: University of Guelph, 2003 Prof. Anthony M. Fuller This inquiry examines the meaning community as a response to disparity between increasing use and rising importance an apparent inability explain this phenomenon. appears in form closure. Within rural studies, theorists presume that is too elusive define complex understand. Consequently, ambiguity accepted normal condition inquiry. When we ask about community, closure (i.e., ambiguous because it ambiguous) becomes problematic: cannot see beyond limitations their approaches. To ‘see’ problem takes leave assumptions, methods, definitions, approaches studies. I adopt ‘post’ foundation by replacing presupposition orderly existence with complexity. work from philosophical implications complexity reach forward possibility community. The purpose research, therefore, address science theory within studies and, so doing, propose comprehensive for social system. focus upon dominant semantics particular, emerging field sustainable communities. framework used into based on Niklas Luhmann’s general society, which post-humanist conception self-referential systems communication. means understand emergent, improbable stability. Methodologically, systems-theoretical approach observes co-evolution structures. Accordingly, not ontological constraint but innovative point departure We gain only clear (non-ambiguous) understanding residual, dominant, also important insights why people are increasingly using significant societal value.