Luhmann and the Sociological Turn in Constructivism

> Context • Niklas Luhmann is considered to be a major proponent of the constructivist movement who based his highly complex sociological theory on constructivist concepts such as Maturana’s autopoiesis and Spencer Brown’s distinction. > Problem • Despite heavily borrowing from constructivism, there are doubts as to whether his epistemological standpoint was properly constructivist. > Method • In six papers and 14 Open Peer Commentaries, Luhmann’s epistemological understanding, understanding of science, and use and development of constructivist concepts is examined. > Results • The authors’ papers and commentaries cover a broad range of topics including the concepts of the observer, meaning, environment, and structural coupling. >