The public discussions about the ecological conditions of the social cohabit and of its relation to the social system and its environment did grow during the last 30 years. The community is affected by what they coursed in the environment. “I write out of a sense of alarm” is what already was said and that is what describes the situation. The consumption of natural resources, the increasing dependence from self created substitutes, the reduction of the diversity of species / biodiversity as a requirement for evolution, pollution, the overpopulation of the earth is an always present subject of matter. But what could LuhmannsSystemtheoriein this context do for or against it? With the help of this theory this essay will evaluate that the environment always takes part and nothing happens without it; this is self-evident. Furthermore it will analyse that an “absolute environment” does not exist. The view of what environment is depends on the system that is observing the environment. The environment is always changing and a main part of every evolution a system is doing.
This will be illustrated on Geothes Faust II, act 5. In this peace Faust is a unsatisfied investigator who is desperate of his situation. Because of this he promises the devil Mephisto (or Mephistopheles) his soul if he could manage to take him out of his unsatisfied situation. In part II, act 5 Faust´s helpers burn down an old married couple house and a church. The couple, Philemon and Baucis, and their guest, a wanderer, died in the fire. Faust is not pleased but not angry about it as well. There old house and the church disturbed his plan to build up a new modern complex. To get land out of the sea he violates nature by building up a bank for unpropertied people. The dwellers from now on live in danger. Faust is satisfied and he died while Mephisto saying that nothing in the whole world would make any sense. Because LuhmannsSystemtheoriedemands to have a universal validity3, it must be possible to illustrate his understanding of the environment at the example of this peace of literature.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. Luhmann's System Theory and its Universal Validity
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to evaluate Luhmann's System Theory in the context of ecological concerns and the human relationship with nature. It utilizes Goethe's Faust II, Act 5, as a case study to illustrate the theory's application.
- Luhmann's System Theory and its application to environmental issues.
- The concept of the environment as a social construction.
- The system/environment distinction in Luhmann's theory.
- The role of observation and the observer in shaping our understanding of the environment.
- Analysis of Goethe's Faust II, Act 5, through the lens of Luhmann's theory.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the growing public concern regarding ecological conditions and the relationship between society and its environment. It highlights the alarming rate of resource consumption, biodiversity loss, pollution, and overpopulation. The chapter introduces Luhmann's System Theory as a potential framework for analyzing this relationship and previews the essay's approach, emphasizing the inherent interconnectedness of systems and their environments and the lack of an "absolute environment." The chapter then uses Goethe's Faust II, Act 5, as a case study to exemplify the theory’s application, focusing on Faust’s actions and their impact on the environment. This section serves as a bridge between the theoretical framework and the literary analysis that will follow.
II. Luhmann's System Theory and its Universal Validity: This chapter delves into the core tenets of Luhmann's System Theory, emphasizing its universal validity and applicability to any situation. It explains the social construction of reality, including the environment, arguing that our understanding of the environment is shaped by observation and description. Luhmann's constructivist perspective is presented, highlighting the limitations of direct access to reality and emphasizing the role of observers in shaping our perception of the environment. The chapter contrasts the differing perspectives of Faust and Philemon on nature, showcasing how different systems interact with and perceive the environment differently. Finally, the chapter re-iterates the fundamental system/environment distinction which is central to Luhmann's theory and crucial in understanding the dynamic interplay between social systems and their surroundings.
Keywords
Luhmann's System Theory, environment, social construction, system/environment distinction, observation, Goethe's Faust, ecological concerns, social systems, constructivism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Language Preview: Luhmann's System Theory and Goethe's Faust
What is the purpose of this essay preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of an essay that analyzes Luhmann's System Theory within the context of ecological concerns and the human relationship with nature, using Goethe's Faust II, Act 5, as a case study.
What topics are covered in the essay?
The essay explores Luhmann's System Theory and its application to environmental issues, focusing on the concept of the environment as a social construction, the system/environment distinction, the role of observation in shaping our understanding of the environment, and an analysis of Goethe's Faust II, Act 5, through the lens of Luhmann's theory.
What are the key themes of the essay?
Key themes include the social construction of the environment, the observer's role in shaping environmental perception, the system/environment distinction in Luhmann's theory, and the application of systems theory to analyze the interaction between human society and nature.
How does the essay use Goethe's Faust II, Act 5?
Goethe's Faust II, Act 5, serves as a case study to illustrate the application of Luhmann's System Theory. The essay analyzes the actions of Faust and other characters and their impact on the environment, showcasing how different systems interact with and perceive the environment differently.
What is the structure of the essay preview?
The preview includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It provides a concise summary of the main arguments and findings of the essay.
What are the main arguments presented in the essay preview?
The preview argues that Luhmann's System Theory offers a valuable framework for understanding the complex relationship between society and its environment. It highlights the idea that our understanding of the environment is socially constructed and shaped by observation, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between systems and their environments.
What are the key concepts from Luhmann's System Theory discussed?
Key concepts include the system/environment distinction, the social construction of reality (including the environment), the role of observation, and the limitations of direct access to reality. The essay emphasizes the constructivist perspective of Luhmann's theory.
What are the keywords associated with the essay?
Keywords include Luhmann's System Theory, environment, social construction, system/environment distinction, observation, Goethe's Faust, ecological concerns, social systems, and constructivism.
What is the overall approach of the essay?
The essay utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining theoretical analysis of Luhmann's System Theory with literary analysis of Goethe's Faust II, Act 5, to explore the complex relationship between society and the environment.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stephanie Thanheiser (Autor:in), 2007, Luhmanns "Systemtheorie" and his understanding of the environment at the example of Goethes "Faust II, act 5", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/69628
