Providing an introduction to Niklas Luhmann's social system theory, this work integrates various schools of thought, including sociology, philosophy and biology. It provides an analysis of "world society", and focuses on the relevance of Luhmann's theory with respect to globalization, electronic mass media, ethics, and various forms of protest.

What are systems? What is society? What happens to human beings in a hypermodern world? Niklas Luhmann addressed these questions in depth. This book introduces his social systems theory which explains specific functions like economy and mass media from a cybernetic perspective, integrating various schools of thought including sociology, philosophy, and biology. "Luhmann Explained" explores the great thinker's radical analysis of "world society." The book gives special attention to the present-day relevance of Luhmann's theory with respect to globalization, electronic mass media, ethics, and new forms of protest.