Wafting spheres: much ado about nothing

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Fuchs
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Niklas Luhmann ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Much Ado About Nothing ◽  
Historical Semantics ◽  
Theoretical Considerations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to implement the idea of the sphere on systems theory (type: Niklas Luhmann) and to test whether this theory can be used to gain a sharper approach to the complex of ideas of the sphere. The main theme is “the conceptual blurriness of the word sphere.” This essay analyzes the societal and historical semantics of the concept of sphere and nearby notions in the thought traditions in medieval society until the modern, i.e. the functionally differentiated society. Nearby notions as limitationality and boundary are discussed, as well as sphere as a “lexicalized metaphor.” At the end, the paper turns to the concept of sphere in modern society that is based on the distinction “public/private” and applies the discussion to the system of mass media. Design/methodology/approach This paper can be classified as a “conceptual essay” that draws on basic systems theoretical concepts. Findings The result of the theoretical considerations is that the word “sphere” represents nothing more than a “catchword” and can hardly lay the groundwork for empirical and theoretical research that would be instructive with regard to the new media and their massive influence on society. Originality/value This paper was researched and written solely by the author. All sources are clearly identified.

scholarly journals Conceptualizing Pre-Modern and Modern Individuality. Some Theoretical Considerations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz-Josef Arlinghaus
Keyword(s):  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Historical Research ◽  
Georg Simmel ◽  
Niklas Luhmann ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Autobiographical Texts ◽  
Modern Era ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Better Than

The paper distinguishes two types of individuality: in the pre-modern era,people conceptualised their individuality by constructing themselves aplace in society. The suggestion made here differs from older researchthat sees pre-modern individuality bound to groups. In the modern era, in contrast,people place their selves outside or next to society. In this respect, premodern ‘inclusion individuality’ and modern ‘exclusion individuality’ differstrongly from each other.These different forms of individuality are closely linked to the differentstructures of modern and pre-modern society. In this respect, asking why conceptsof individuality have changed amounts to asking why society haschanged – and this question is still unanswered, of course. However, bringingindividuality and society so closely together questions concepts that see individualityas being a (timelessly) given or want to connect it to changes in mentalitybased on, for instance, certain features prominent in Christianity.The advantages in conceptualising individuality in this way may be seen inthe possibility to historicise the phenomenon and mark differences withoutdescribing pre-modern individuality as being deficient. Placing the self withinthe frame of pre-modern society does not, of course, prevent the single personreflecting about him / herself and developing a strong self-consciousness. Inthis respect, the paper does not see a difference in ‘self-reflection’ and ‘selfconsciousness’ in modern and pre-modern times in general, but in the waypeople do so (which can be attributed to the different societal frame these reflectionsare linked to). To make the proposed shift from ‘bound to groups’ to ‘inclusion individuality’ more clear, I would like to mention two points: 1) pre-modern autobiographical texts show that their authors place themselves in society throughputting themselves in parallel with other deliberately and consciously chosenpersons; and 2) pre-modern authors built their self-consciousness strongly on‘being better than others’ or on an over-fulfilment of norms, while modernauthors emphasise ‘being different from others’. The comparative ‘better’ (incontrast to ‘different’) marks a self-conscious individuality that is built on(self-defined) links to society.The two types of individuality just described have a long tradition in sociologicalresearch, dating back at least to Georg Simmel and having been enrichedwith a new theoretical frame by Niklas Luhmann. They are, however,still somewhat alien to historical research. In this respect, the article and thevolume as a whole are also an attempt to work in an interdisciplinary way andmake sociological theory fruitful for pre-modern historical research.

Resonanzfähigkeit: resonance capability in Luhmannian systems theory

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 2493-2507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlton Clark
Keyword(s):  
Child Labor ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Niklas Luhmann ◽  
System Complexity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moral Communication ◽  
Sociological Literature ◽  
Google Books

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the sociological literature on moral communication and disciplinary apparatuses in a functionally differentiated society. It combines Luhmannian and Foucauldian theories to further the understanding of social system complexity. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on the work of Niklas Luhmann, Michel Foucault and others to explore resonance capability, disciplinary apparatuses and the complexity–sustainability trade-off. The argument is illustrated with a discussion of the late-nineteenth- to early-twentieth-century anti-child labor movement. Findings The paper argues that organizations are better equipped than function systems to draw moral distinctions. Given the amorality of the function systems and the increasing secularization of modern society, a great deal of moral communication now occurs in non-religious organizations. These social systems increase their complexity in response to new problems, but the increased system complexity may become unsustainable. Research limitations/implications The paper contributes to the growing sociological literature that compares and sometimes attempts to synthesize the theories of Luhmann and Foucault. It also contributes to the literature on organizational theory. Originality/value The paper brings together the work of Luhmann, Foucault, Valentinov and others to advance the understanding of organizations and moral communication in a functionally differentiated society. It uses Google Books Ngrams, among other resources, to support the argument.

Dissecting the empirical-normative divide in business ethics

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 679-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Roth ◽  
Vladislav Valentinov ◽  
Lars Clausen
Keyword(s):  
Business Ethics ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Functional Differentiation ◽  
Niklas Luhmann ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moral Diversity ◽  
Cell Matrix ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Instrumental Approaches

Purpose This paper aims to probe the limits of the empirical-normative divide as a conceptual framework in business ethics. Design/methodology/approach A systems theory perspective debunks this divide as a false distinction that cannot do justice to the conceptual complexity of the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) scholarship. Findings Drawing on the systems-theoretic ideas of Niklas Luhmann and the “Laws of Form” by George Spencer Brown, the paper shows that the divide may be dissected into a four-cell matrix constituted by two other distinctions-descriptive vs prescriptive and categorical vs hypothetical-the latter of which was seminally suggested by Donaldson and Preston (1995). Practical implications The emerging four-cell matrix is shown to centrally embrace the multiplicity of normative, empirical and instrumental approaches to CSR. This multiplicity is exemplified by the application of these approaches to the phenomenon of CSR communication. Social implications A more general implication of the proposed argument for the field of business ethics is in tracing the phenomena of moral diversity and moral ambivalence back to the regime of functional differentiation as the distinguishing feature of the modern society. This argument drives home the point that economic operations are as ethical or unethical as political operations, and that both economic and political perspectives on ethical issues are as important or unimportant as are religious, artistic, educational or scientific perspectives. Originality/value In contrast to the empirical-normative divide, the perspective is shown to centrally embrace the multiplicity of normative, empirical and instrumental approaches to CSR.

The impact of the new media on public relations in the public administration in Kurdistan Region

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 268-288
Author(s):  
Dlan Ismail Mawlud ◽  
Hoshyar Mozafar Ali
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
New Media ◽  
Public Relations ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Management System ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Kurdistan Region ◽  
The Public ◽  
Government Institutions ◽  
The Impact

The development of technology, information technology and various means of communication have a significant impact on public relations activity; especially in government institutions. Many government institutions have invested these means in their management system, in order to facilitate the goals of the institution, and ultimately the interaction between the internal and external public. In this theoretical research, I tried to explain the impact of the new media on public relations in the public administration, based on the views of specialists. The aim of the research is to know the use of the new media of public relations and how in the system of public administration, as well as, Explaining the role it plays in public relations activities of government institutions. Add to this, analyzing the way of how new media and public relations participate in the birth of e-government. In the results, it is clear that the new media has facilitated public relations between the public and other institutions, as it strengthened relations between them

The development and application of new media technology in news communication industry

2021 ◽  
pp. 002072092199659
Author(s):  
Hong Guo
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Data Storage ◽  
News Media ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Information Storage ◽  
Media Technology ◽  
Communication Industry ◽  
Media Technologies ◽  
Tv News ◽  
New Media Technologies

Many new media technologies have emerged in modern society. The application of new media technologies has impacted traditional TV news media, which not only faces great challenges, but also brings some lessons for the development of TV news media. New media technology relies on powerful information processing technology and data storage technology to develop and grow continuously. Compared with traditional news, new media technology has more powerful information storage capacity and dissemination capacity. Firstly, this paper briefly introduces the concept of new media technology, summarizes the typical characteristics of new media technology, and analyzes the existing problems in the application of new media technology in the news communication industry based on the necessity of applying new media technology. Finally, some Suggestions are put forward based on this, hoping to provide some reference for the development of news communication industry.

scholarly journals Social media and sentiment in bioenergy consultation

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Uren ◽  
Daniel Wright ◽  
James Scott ◽  
Yulan He ◽  
Hassan Saif
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
New Media ◽  
Sentiment Analysis ◽  
Opinion Mining ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Short Paper ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – This paper aims to address the following challenge: the push to widen participation in public consultation suggests social media as an additional mechanism through which to engage the public. Bioenergy companies need to build their capacity to communicate in these new media and to monitor the attitudes of the public and opposition organizations towards energy development projects. Design/methodology/approach – This short paper outlines the planning issues bioenergy developments face and the main methods of communication used in the public consultation process in the UK. The potential role of social media in communication with stakeholders is identified. The capacity of sentiment analysis to mine opinions from social media is summarised and illustrated using a sample of tweets containing the term “bioenergy”. Findings – Social media have the potential to improve information flows between stakeholders and developers. Sentiment analysis is a viable methodology, which bioenergy companies should be using to measure public opinion in the consultation process. Preliminary analysis shows promising results. Research limitations/implications – Analysis is preliminary and based on a small dataset. It is intended only to illustrate the potential of sentiment analysis and not to draw general conclusions about the bioenergy sector. Social implications – Social media have the potential to open access to the consultation process and help bioenergy companies to make use of waste for energy developments. Originality/value – Opinion mining, though established in marketing and political analysis, is not yet systematically applied as a planning consultation tool. This is a missed opportunity.

Transforming library communication: from Gutenberg to Zuckerberg

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 247-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Einasto
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Social Institution ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Disciplinary Power ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library User

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse institutional and functional development of a library with the help of communication theories. The library as a social institution should have a quite strong position in today’s information society, but new ways of information search have made its position unstable. Thus, a library needs theoretical and cultural-political comprehension and reassessment. The paper tries to answer the questions as to how a library can satisfy the needs of modern society and which strategy of library communication will be in demand tomorrow. Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical background is represented by communication theories of Marshal McLuhan, Denis McQuail and Yuri Lotman, as well as Michel Foucault’s concepts of disciplinary power and governmentality. Findings – The analysis revealed that library–user communication is based primarily on power relations, where “access” is the main keyword. The article brought out differences in library communicative processes in the “Gutenberg Galaxy” and today’s global network society, “Zuckerberg Era”. The analysis showed that library–user relationship is shifting from disciplinary power and monologue to the governmentality and new communicative forms, dialogue and participation. Research limitations/implications – The study demonstrates the possibility of implication of communication theories for library functional analysis. The new studies investigating which methods and forms of communication do libraries use today, how are the elements of power relations transforming would be very useful for the understanding of the topic. Practical implications – The study proposes to libraries some ideas that may be useful for developing the library communication strategy. Originality/value – This study, based on the communicative approach, corresponds well to library phenomenon and nature, as well as allows for reflection on the role of libraries in the society of today and future.

Critique and the video production classroom: providing students the skills to navigate new media literacies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessie Nixon
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
New Media ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Media Literacy ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Video Production ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Media Literacy ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to demonstrate how teaching the discourse of critique, an integral part of the video production process, can be used to eliminate barriers for young people in gaining new media literacy skills helping more young people become producers rather than consumers of digital media. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes an instrumental qualitative case study (Stake, 2000) in two elective high school video production classrooms in the Midwestern region of the USA. The author conducted observations, video and audio recorded critique sessions, conducted semi-structured interviews and collected artifacts throughout production including storyboards, brainstorms and rough and final cuts of videos. Findings Throughout critique, young video producers used argumentation strategies to cocreate meaning, multiple methods of inquiry and questioning, critically evaluated feedback and synthesized their ideas and those of their peers to achieve their intended artistic vision. Young video producers used feedback in the following ways: incorporated feedback directly into their work, rejected and ignored feedback, or incorporated some element of the feedback in a way not originally intended. Originality/value This paper demonstrates how teaching the discourse of critique can be used to eliminate barriers for young people in gaining new media literacy skills. Educators can teach argumentation and inquiry strategies through using thinking guides that encourage active processing and through engaging near peer mentors. Classroom educators can integrate the arts-based practice of the pitch critique session to maximize the impact of peer-to-peer learning.

Formation of a Personal-Professional Position as the Basis of Technology Design Career Guidance Practices

2021 ◽  
pp. 64-73
Author(s):  
Valery Ilyich Tarlavsky ◽  
◽  
Marina Viktorovna Shakurova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Career Guidance ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Vocational Guidance ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Family Identity ◽  
A Value ◽  
The Family ◽  
Professional Self ◽  
Research Analysis

The article considers the need for a broad view on the technologization of career guidance practices, the importance of which is increasing due to the spread of early professionalization in modern society. The purpose of the article is to identify and substantiate the semantic foundations for the technologization of vocational guidance practices, determined taking into account the process of forming a personal-professional position in the conditions of early professionalization. Research methodology: systemic personality-developing, subjective and technological approaches; methods of theoretical research (analysis, synthesis, generalization, analogy, interpretation, concretization). Attention is drawn to the essential features of personal-professional positioning, the focus is on the attitude to work, profession, personal and professional self-determination. Semantic supports for the design of vocational guidance technologies are identified and justified: the differentiating basis of the stage of life activity; immersion in accessible roles in the field of professional and labor activity and the formation of a value attitude to them; attention to work, the pattern of work of any profession, the formed attitude to work as a value; professional and labor traditions of the family, related features of family identity and family socio-professional trajectory; definition and implementation of personal and professional prospects; preservation and strengthening of personal-professional position.

3 D printing technology and experimental study of chitosan gel using atomized solidification liquid-assisted extrusion molding

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangwei Wang ◽  
Peilun Lv ◽  
Jian Li ◽  
Liying Yu ◽  
Guodong Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Error Sources ◽  
Printing Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Printing Ink ◽  
Printing Parameters ◽  
Chitosan Gel ◽  
Printing Method

Purpose This paper aims to propose a suitable atomizing solidification chitosan (CS) gel liquid extrusion molding technology for the three dimensional (3D) printing method, and experiments verify the feasibility of this method. Design/methodology/approach This paper mainly uses experimental means, combined with theoretical research. The preparation method, solidification forming method and 3D printing method of CS gel solution were studied. The CS gel printing mechanism and printing error sources are analyzed on the basis of the CS gel ink printing results, printing performance with different ratios of components by constructing a gel print prototype, experiments evaluating the CS gel printing technology and the effects of the process parameters on the scaffold formation. Findings CS printing ink was prepared; the optimal formula was found; the 3 D printing experiment of CS was completed; the optimal printing parameters were obtained; and the reliability of the forming prototype, printing ink and gel printing process was verified, which allowed for the possibility to apply the 3 D printing technology to the manufacturing of a CS gel structure. Originality/value This study can provide theoretical and technical support for the potential application of CS 3 D printed gels in tissue engineering.

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