scholarly journals Are relational processes teleological or self-referential? What relational sociology can learn from systems theory

Digithum ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Jean-Sebastien Guy
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Basic Concept ◽  
Social Relation ◽  
Dynamic Processes ◽  
Relational Sociology ◽  
Relational Processes

This paper aims at expanding on François Dépelteau's conception of social relation as dynamic processes. I argue that the basic concept of process is in need of further developments. We tend to understand processes as teleological, but I contend that self-referential processes are a more interesting model for relational sociology. Using Niklas Luhmann's theory, we can conceive self-referential processes as systems that self-organise by transforming disorder into order. For this to be possible, systems must harbour within themselves. The paper then explores the various reasons that explain this special feature.

Music and Analogy

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence M. Zbikowski
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Dynamic Processes ◽  
Embodied Experience ◽  
Musical Sound ◽  
Symbol Systems ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Perceptual Symbol Systems

This chapter reviews recent research on analogy and explains how humans’ capacity for analogical thought shapes the production and comprehension of music. The chapter includes an introduction to Lawrence Barsalou’s perceptual symbol systems theory, which is used to explain how embodied experience informs analogical thought, especially that associated with music. Analogical reference, an idea adapted from Peirce’s concept of iconicity, is introduced, leading to a systematic definition of the sonic analogs for dynamic processes that provide the foundation for musical grammar. The chapter also explores how meaning can be constructed through sequences of musical sound.

scholarly journals Relations-In-Process: In Honour of François Depelteau

Digithum ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Crossley
Keyword(s):  
Complex Networks ◽  
Social Relation ◽  
The State ◽  
Relational Sociology ◽  
Interaction History

In this paper, reflecting the twin interests of François Dépelteau, I draw together the themes of ‘relationality’ and ‘process’. Having argued that the concept of ‘relations’ is central to sociology (and a fortiori ‘relational’ sociology), I discuss some of the problems associated with the concept. In this context I propose a processual conception. A social relation, I argue, is the ‘state of play’ in an interaction history between two actors and, as such, is always ‘in process’. Relations do not exist in isolation, however. They concatenate in complex networks, which are themselves always ‘in process’. The later sections of the paper discuss such networks and the mechanisms which drive their evolution across time.

Medium as a basic concept of sociology: contributions from systems theory

2006 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Tosini
Keyword(s):  
General Theory ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Special Reference ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Social Theory ◽  
Basic Concept ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Sociological Analysis ◽  
Recent Developments

The main purpose of this article is to present the fundamental concepts of a theory of social systems, with special reference to the concepts of medium and form, and their application in sociology. By challenging the indifference and opposition shown by most contemporary sociologists to the ontological and theoretical questions of social theory (e.g. in the case of micro-sociologists’ aversion to Parsons), systems theory has, from the beginning, represented an attempt at an analysis focusing on the fundamental concepts (and on their coherent relations) of a general theory of society. Ignoring the elaboration of these concepts may be tantamount to reducing sociology to countless collections of facts of a limited informative value. Indeed, only an adequate conceptual framework will suffice. Certain recent developments in systems theory offer useful tools. Some of these developments are illustrated in this article, which marshals a network of concepts, each dealing with specific aspects relating to sociological analysis.

Time as sociology’s basic concept: A perspective from Alfred Schutz’s phenomenological sociology and Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 995-1012
Author(s):  
Mitsuhiro Tada
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Basic Concept ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Present System ◽  
Stream Of Consciousness ◽  
Social Systems Theory ◽  
Proper Position ◽  
Problem Of Time ◽  
Phenomenological Sociology

This paper aims to clarify the proper position of time as sociology’s basic concept in relation to meaning ( Sinn). In sociology, the inseparable relationship between time and meaning has been clearly shown by Schutz’s phenomenological sociology and Luhmann’s social systems theory. Referring to the respective theories of Bergson and Husserl, Schutz argued that the problem of meaning in Weber’s interpretative sociology is a problem of time. The meaning of an action that an actor subjectively thinks of is determined not by a common normative value for example, but rather through her/his own inner time: the meaning of an ongoing action ( Handeln) is the act ( Handlung) projected as an aim in the stream of consciousness. Similarly, Luhmann considered self-referential social systems as temporal subjects that cognize their own reality of the external world. Phenomena appearing to a social system through communicative intentionality are weighted by the system’s own past and future, and are thereby selectively (not randomly) actualized as meaningful units in the present. System order (or social order) is thus temporally organized in the atemporal, chaotic world of meaning. “Self-reference” is to refer to a system’s own eigen time ( Eigenzeit), which provides the basis for a system’s autonomy or freedom.

Surface reactions observed by photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM)

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 286-287
Author(s):  
H.H. Rotermund
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Work Function ◽  
Chemical Reactions ◽  
Reaction Diffusion ◽  
Dynamic Processes ◽  
Clean Surface ◽  
Crystal Surfaces ◽  
Single Crystal Surfaces ◽  
Photoemission Electron

Chemical reactions at a surface will in most cases show a measurable influence on the work function of the clean surface. This change of the work function δφ can be used to image the local distributions of the investigated reaction,.if one of the reacting partners is adsorbed at the surface in form of islands of sufficient size (Δ>0.2μm). These can than be visualized via a photoemission electron microscope (PEEM). Changes of φ as low as 2 meV give already a change in the total intensity of a PEEM picture. To achieve reasonable contrast for an image several 10 meV of δφ are needed. Dynamic processes as surface diffusion of CO or O on single crystal surfaces as well as reaction / diffusion fronts have been observed in real time and space.

A Cognitive-Linguistic Intervention Program: Basic Concept Formation Level

1977 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-32
Author(s):  
Gerald E. Chappell
Keyword(s):  
Basic Concept ◽  
Concept Formation ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Cognitive Linguistic ◽  
Basic Concepts ◽  
Linguistic Skills ◽  
Linguistic Intervention

Test-teach questioning is a strategy that can be used to help children develop basic concepts. It fosters the use of multisensory exploration and discovery in learning which leads to the development of cognitive-linguistic skills. This article outlines some of the theoretical bases for this approach and indicates possibilities for their applications in child-clinician transactions.

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