Anticipation and the Non-linear Dynamics of Meaning-Processing in Social Systems

TL;DR

This paper models how social systems process meaning through non-linear dynamics of anticipation, using theories of social systems and anticipatory systems to explain how meaning stabilizes and evolves.

Contribution

It introduces algorithms based on Luhmann's and Rosen's theories to model non-linear meaning dynamics and anticipatory mechanisms in social systems.

Findings

Social order is an order of reproduced expectations, not a stable phenomenon.

Anticipatory mechanisms can be transversal or longitudinal, influencing meaning.

Hyper-incursive systems can become overloaded without decision-making.

Abstract

Social order does not exist as a stable phenomenon, but can be considered as "an order of reproduced expectations." When anticipations operate upon one another, they can generate a non-linear dynamics which processes meaning. Although specific meanings can be stabilized, for example in social institutions, all meaning arises from a global horizon of possible meanings. Using Luhmann's (1984) social systems theory and Rosen's (1985) theory of anticipatory systems, I submit algorithms for modeling the non-linear dynamics of meaning in social systems. 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: a transversal one between the models, and a longitudinal one providing the system with a variety of meanings. 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 a knowledge-based order can increasingly be shaped.