Niklas Luhmann's Theory of Politics and Law [Hardcover]

Niklas Luhmann's social theory stands in direct opposition to the dominant 'anthropocentric' traditions of legal and political analysis. King and Thornhill now offer the first comprehensive, critical examination of Luhmann's highly original theory of the operations of the legal and political systems. They describe how from the perspective of his 'sociological enlightenment' Luhmann continually calls to account the certainties, the ambitions and rational foundations of The Enlightenment and the idealized versions of law and politics which they have produced.List of Figures Luhmann's Social Theory Society's Legal System The Political System The Subject of Liberalism Risk and the Environment Conclusion: Luhmann and his Critics Notes Bibliography Index

Reviews of the Hardback Edition:

'This is an excellent book. Michael King and Chris Thornhill have provided a comprehensive, scholarly and accessible account of Luhmann's extensive writings on politics and law. They have also answered convincingly many of the 'anti-functionist' criticisms that have been directed against his ideas. I have no doubt that their efforts will succeed in convincing readers of the relevance and importance of Luhmann's theory in understanding the complexity and dynamism of modern society as well as the considerable difficulties which are likely to be encountered in attempting to find solutions to the major problems facing the world.' - Professor Gunther Teubner, J.W. Goethe University, Germany

'King and Thornhill have written an accessible introduction to Luhmann's theory. They focus on politics and law but also introduce the basic concepts of the general framework of systems theory. The book has many qualities, not least its language, which strive for clarity of expression. The authors seek to explain and strive to be understood. [I]n addition, King and Thornhill write with a welcome political edge. They spell out the political consequences of Luhmann'sl“-