The Non-linear Dynamics of Meaning-Processing in Social Systems

TL;DR

This paper models the non-linear dynamics of meaning-processing in social systems using anticipatory systems theory, highlighting how social order emerges from complex interactions of expectations and models.

Contribution

It introduces equations based on Luhmann's and Rosen's theories to model how social systems process meaning through anticipatory mechanisms, including hyper-incursion.

Findings

Social systems use multiple models to anticipate and process meaning.

Hyper-incursive systems can handle complex meaning but risk overload without decisions.

Cultural expectations shape social order through anticipatory mechanisms.

Abstract

Social order cannot be considered as a stable phenomenon because it contains an order of reproduced expectations. When the expectations operate upon one another, they generate a non-linear dynamics that processes meaning. Specific meaning can be stabilized, for example, in social institutions, but all meaning arises from a horizon of possible meanings. Using Luhmann's (1984) social systems theory and Rosen's (1985) theory of anticipatory systems, I submit equations for modeling the processing of meaning in inter-human communication. First, a self-referential system can use a model of itself for the anticipation. Under the condition of functional differentiation, the social system can be expected to entertain a set of models; each model can also contain a model of the other models. Two anticipatory mechanisms are then possible: one transversal between the models, and a longitudinal one providing the modeled systems with meaning from the perspective of hindsight. A system containing two anticipatory mechanisms can become hyper-incursive. Without making decisions, however, a hyper-incursive system would be overloaded with uncertainty. Under this pressure, informed decisions tend to replace the "natural preferences" of agents and an order of cultural expectations can increasingly be shaped.