scholarly journals What we can learn from semiotics, systems theory, and theoretical biology to understand religious communication

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2-4) ◽  
pp. 192-223
Author(s):  
Volkhard Krech
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Theoretical Biology ◽  
Physical Processes ◽  
Religious Communication ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Cultural Processes ◽  
Cultural Sphere ◽  
Meaning System ◽  
Religious Evolution ◽  
Societal Evolution

If religion is a socio-cultural meaning system as part of the socio-cultural sphere, then how does it relate to mental, organic, and physical processes that belong to the environment of religion? The article contributes to answering this question by referring to semiotics, systems theory, and theoretical biology. The starting point is understanding religious evolution as a co-evolution to societal evolution, namely, as one of the latter’s internal differentiations. In turn, societal evolution is a co-evolution to mental, organic, and physical evolution. These evolutionary spheres mutually constitute one another’s environments. The eigenstate of the socio-cultural sphere consists of language activated via communication. Language is the replicator of socio-cultural processes corresponding to the function of the genome in organic processes. The differentiation of spheres in general evolution concerns respective organic, mental, and socio-cultural substrates, while the substrate-neutral structure of the two evolutionary dimensions of organic and societal processes, including religion, is revealed as semiotic patterns that organic and societal processes have in common. Organic and religious processes of generating information are isomorphic. Thus, semiosis mediates between religious communication and its environment.

scholarly journals Theory and Empiricism of Religious Evolution (THERE): Foundation of a Research Program (Part 2)

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-263
Author(s):  
Volkhard Krech
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Religion And Science ◽  
Theory Of Evolution ◽  
Religious Evolution ◽  
Societal Evolution

Abstract This two-part article presents the research program for a theory and empirical analysis of religious evolution. It is assumed that religion is primarily a co-evolution to societal evolution, which in turn is a co-evolution to mental, organic, and physical evolution. The theory of evolution is triangulated with the systems theory and the semiotically informed theory of communication, so that knowledge can be gained that would not be acquired by only one of the three theories: The differentiation between religion and its environment can be reconstructed based on the theory of evolution. The elements of the theory of evolution can be understood as the formation of systems. The semiotically informed theory of communication clarifies the conditions of the combination of both the systems theory and the theory of evolution as well as its objects. In turn, the combination of the systems theory and the theory of evolution can describe how communication—including religion and science—evolves and is structured.

scholarly journals Theory and Empiricism of Religious Evolution (THERE): Foundation of a Research Program. Part 1

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Volkhard Krech
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Religion And Science ◽  
Theory Of Evolution ◽  
Religious Evolution ◽  
Societal Evolution

AbstractThis two-part article presents the research program for a theory and empirical analysis of religious evolution. It is assumed that religion is primarily a co-evolution to societal evolution, which in turn is a co-evolution to mental, organic, and physical evolution. The theory of evolution is triangulated with the systems theory and the semiotically informed theory of communication, so that knowledge can be gained that would not be acquired by only one of the three theories: The differentiation between religion and its environment can be reconstructed based on the theory of evolution. The elements of the theory of evolution can be understood as the formation of systems. The semiotically informed theory of communication clarifies the conditions of the combination of both the systems theory and the theory of evolution as well as its objects. In turn, the combination of the systems theory and the theory of evolution can describe how communication – including religion and science – evolves and is structured.

Toward a transdisciplinary integration of research purposes and methods for complex dynamic systems theory: beyond the quantitative–qualitative divide

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Hiver ◽  
Ali H. Al-Hoorie ◽  
Diane Larsen-Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Dynamic Systems Theory ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Transdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Complex Dynamic Systems ◽  
Human And Social Sciences ◽  
Starting Point

Abstract Complexity theory/dynamic systems theory has challenged conventional approaches to applied linguistics research by encouraging researchers to adopt a pragmatic transdisciplinary approach that is less paradigmatic and more problem-oriented in nature. Its proponents have argued that the starting point in research design should not be the quantitative–qualitative distinction, or even mixed methods, but the distinction between individual versus group-based designs (i.e., idiographic versus nomothetic). Taking insights from transdisciplinary complexity research in other human and social sciences, we propose an integrative transdisciplinary framework that unites these different perspectives (quantitative–qualitative, individual–group based) from the starting point of exploratory–falsificatory aims. We discuss the implications of this transdisciplinary approach to applied linguistics research and illustrate how such an integrated approach might be implemented in the field.

Systems Theory and Introducing Action

2020 ◽  
pp. 91-112
Author(s):  
Catherine Raeff
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Current Work ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Multiple Processes ◽  
Complex Phenomena

The goals of this chapter are to summarize systems theory, which provides an overarching theoretical basis for the current work, and to introduce action as the key concept that will be conceptualized in more detail in subsequent chapters. Systems theory is the starting point for the current work because it is based on integrative and relational assumptions and because it offers a way of understanding complex phenomena in terms of multiple processes that mutually affect each other. In this chapter, systems theory is further summarized in terms of connections among parts and wholes, multiple kinds of causality, emergence, stability, and variability. Action is then identified as the wider whole or system that represents what people do. The chapter ends by acknowledging some of the values that inform how the author is thinking about action.

Feminism and rethinking our models of the self

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Meehan
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
The Self ◽  
Developmental Systems Theory ◽  
Developmental Systems ◽  
Starting Point

In this article I argue that Butler and Benhabib work with models of the self that should be jettisoned. Butler relies on what I call the outside-to-inside model, while Benhabib shuttles between an outside-to-inside and an inside-to-outside model. Because of the inherent limitations of these models neither can do what both authors set out to do, which is to describe the ontogeny of the self. I trace their discussions over the course of their writings and then propose that the notion of emergence that one finds in Developmental Systems Theory offers a much better starting point for account of the nature and development of the self.

Religionshistorie og aksetid

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans J. Lundager Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Model ◽  
Religious Studies ◽  
English Summary ◽  
Hominid Evolution ◽  
Axial Age ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
History Of Religions ◽  
History Of ◽  
Robert Bellah ◽  
Religious Evolution

English summary: The article presents and discusses two articles by Robert Bellah, “Religious evolution” from 1964 and “What is Axial about the Axial Age?” (2005). In what seems to be a general lack of interest in a history of religion (different from a history of religions) among academic scholars in the science of religion, Bellahs model, especially in its combination with recent approaches to the ‘axial age’ and to Merlin Donald’s biocultural cognitive model for hominid evolution, is recommended as a useful starting point for revitalization of an honorable branch of religious studies.  Dansk resume: Artiklen præsenterer og diskuterer to artikler af den amerikanske religionssociolog Robert Bellah, “Religious evolution” fra 1964 og “What is Axial about the Axial Age?” (2005). I forhold til en generel mangel på interesse for en religionens historie (forskellig fra religionernes historie) blandt religionsvidenskabelige forskere anbefales Bellahs model som et frugtbart udgangspunkt for en revitalisering af en hæderværdig del af religionsvidenskaben, særlig når den kombineres med aktuelle diskussioner af ‘aksetiden’ og Merlin Donalds biokulturelle, kognitive model for hominid evolution.

scholarly journals A portable dual smog chamber system for atmospheric aerosol field studies

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos Kaltsonoudis ◽  
Spiro D. Jorga ◽  
Evangelos Louvaris ◽  
Kalliopi Florou ◽  
Spyros N. Pandis
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Air ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Atmospheric Particulate Matter ◽  
Smog Chamber ◽  
Chamber System ◽  
Physical Processes ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Hexagonal Arrangement ◽  
Smog Chambers ◽  
Uv Lamps

Abstract. Smog chamber experiments using as a starting point ambient air can improve our understanding of the evolution of atmospheric particulate matter at timescales longer than those achieved by traditional laboratory experiments. These types of studies can take place under more realistic environmental conditions addressing the interactions among multiple pollutants. The use of two identical smog chambers, with the first serving as the baseline chamber and the second as the perturbation chamber (in which addition or removal of pollutants, addition of oxidants, change in the relative humidity, etc.), can facilitate the interpretation of the results in such inherently complex experiments. The differences of the measurements in the two chambers can be used as the basis for the analysis of the corresponding chemical or physical processes of ambient air. A portable dual smog chamber system was developed using two identical pillow-shaped smog chambers (1.5 m3 each). The two chambers are surrounded by UV lamps in a hexagonal arrangement yielding a total JNO2 of 0.1 min−1. The system can be easily disassembled and transported enabling the study of various atmospheric environments. Moreover, it can be used with natural sunlight. The results of test experiments using ambient air as starting point are discussed as examples of applications of this system.

La théorie systémique dans la sociologie de la religion dans les pays de langue allemande

1980 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Traugott Schöfthaler
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Civil Religion ◽  
Sociology Of Religion ◽  
Christian Theology ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Concepts ◽  
German Sociology ◽  
Religious Evolution ◽  
Changing Society

Within the last decade, Niklas Luhman, one of the best known German Sociologists, has developed a concept of systems theory which is closely related to problems of religion. It is one of the core concepts of recent German sociology of religion. Luhmann follows Parsons' and Bellah's views of societal and religious evolution, but he does it with a Durk heimian bias and in a specific German manner. Luhmann believes in the end of civil religion. In his theory religion enables man to cope with general contingencies of society and personality by ciphering them. Implementing this function Christian theology has to deal more with relevation than with humanism, and more with interpreting than with changing society.

scholarly journals Modernisering, social mobilitet og systemteori - en diskussion af Niklas Luhmanns systemteori

1970 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-20
Author(s):  
Jakob Arnoldi
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Social Mobility ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Social Reproduction ◽  
Niklas Luhmann ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Semantics And Pragmatics ◽  
Self Reference

Title: Modernization, Social Mobility and Systems Theory - a discussion of the systems theory of Niklas Luhmann The article is concerned with the con¬cepts of meaning, self-reference and sy¬stems autonomy in Luhmann’s theory. The article takes as its starting point empirical data on intergenerational social mobility. Such emperical data indi¬cate, it is claimed, that questions can be raised regarding the concept of systems autonomy in Luhmann’s theory. Based on this, the article performs a more de¬tailed analysis of Luhmann’s theory of self-reference and meaning. Luhmann’s theory is contrasted with Bourdieu’s praxeology in order to show the diffe¬rences between the semantically based systems theory and the, to some extent, pragmatically based praxeology. Bour¬dieus praxeology contains a focus on the relations between social and mental structures which serves to explain social reproduction in spite of systems differentiation. An outline for a different approach that contains both semantics and pragmatics, thereby avoiding the neo-functionalism of Luhmann, is sket¬ched in the last part of the article. This is done by implementing a structuration approach in the systems theory.

Systems Theory

2020 ◽  
pp. 142-158
Author(s):  
Henry E. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Property Law ◽  
Private Law ◽  
Complex Systems Theory ◽  
Conventional Analysis ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Bundle Of Rights ◽  
Public Versus Private

Accounts of private law in general and property in particular have downplayed traditional notions of system in favor of a sum-of-the-parts reductionism. Recent developments in complex systems theory allows a reassessment of this picture. A system is a collection of elements and the connections between and among them; complex systems are ones in which the properties of the system as a whole are difficult to infer from the properties of the parts. Private law is a complex system. Taking the bundle of rights in property law as a starting point, the chapter shows that conventional analysis is overly reductive in that it assumes that the attributes of the whole bundle are the additive sum of the attributes of the “sticks” in the bundle taken individually. Theoretically and empirically, this aggregative approach is not as accurate as one based on “organized complexity,” points in the direction of the New Private Law: systems theory leads to a better and more unified account of the bundle of rights, standardization in property, possession, title, and equity. Systems theory also promises to mitigate some of the dichotomies in private law, such as holism versus reductionism, homogeneity versus specialization, formalism versus contextualism, and public versus private law.

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