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The Potential of the Systems Theory of NIklas Luhmann for Cosmopolitanism

Kim, Kyung-rae 1

1국민대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This article analyzes the potential of the systems theory of Niklas Luhmann for cosmopolitanism. Since the late 1990s various debates have flared anew regarding the possible role of cosmopolitanism to resolve the problems caused by globalization. Positive opinion about cosmopolitanism tends to recognize the autonomy of the state and nation. Today, however, individuals do not form their identities only within nations and states. In this context, this paper examines cosmopolitanism based on multiple identities through the systems theory of Niklas Luhmann. According to Luhmann, each system operates in the environment of other systems. In this process each system is open and closed, and consists of various subsystems. People take part in the various systems as well as their unity to realize their various biological, psychological, and social demands. After all, we human beings have multiple identities that cannot be defined by any one specific identity, because we participate in a multiplicity of systems at the same time. One avenue to understanding this is by employing the systems theory of Niklas Luhmann to explicate a cosmopolitanism that recognizes multiple identities.

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* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.