In this important book, Niklas Luhmann uses his powers as an analyst
of the social system to examine two of the most important concepts
which hold that system together and allow it to evolve: trust and
power. He criticises those theoretical accounts whose roots lie in
what he refers to as ideologies – accounts which use implicit
beliefs in particular conceptions of human nature to explain and
predict social action in a one-dimensional way. Theories of rational
choice and moralistic explanations are taken to task, as are the
theories of both Marx and Habermas. Luhmann's unique scientific
sociology underpins every page and enables him to highlight the
potential shortcomings of these narrative approaches. Underlying this
approach is the idea that ideologically-based social theory, whether
critical or conservative, is unable to do justice to the complexities
existing within the parameters of social systems, individuals, and the
interactions between them. He aims to show instead how only a
painstaking systems analysis can capture these intricacies. Although
written over 40 years ago, Luhmann's complex vision of the operations
of trust and power provides a wealth of insights of considerable value
to scholars and students grappling with contemporary social and
economic problems. The editors' introduction to this new edition and
the significant revisions they have made to the translation will help
to reveal the richness and clarity of this vision and its relevance to
the ways that trust and power operate in today's society.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781509519484
Publisert
2018
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Vendor
Polity
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter