This article addresses the problem of the differentiation of a law system, based on a systemic analysis of the process in Chile. Since this is a reflection of a more formal character, many of the conditions discussed here may be found in other Latin American countries, even though the analysis is exemplified by the Chilean case. The article presents the central concepts of the theory of differentiation, discusses the problem of the autonomy of law as a condition of differentiation and presents trends, problems and semantics of the process in Chile. The article concludes with reflections on Latin America. Relevance: The article analyses the path of social differentiation of the legal system in Chile from the perspective of Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory.

This article addresses the relationship between structuralism, especially the anthropological version of the latter in Levi-Strauss, and the theory of social systems of Luhmann. The analysis is done through two hypotheses guiding the development of the text. It reviews the historical background relating structuralism with systems theory and discusses the fundamental concepts that appear in this relationship. Luhmann’s systems thinking is then contrasted, focusing on some of its central concepts, with the structuralist perspective of Lévi-Strauss. The paper concludes with a review of the hypotheses presented and comprehensive reflections about the perspective of social systems. Relevance: The paper focusses on the relationships between anthropological structuralism and cybernetics and social systems theory.

This text presents the problem of social inequality in the context of social systems theory. We support the thesis that the problem of equality/inequality cannot be treated as a remnant from previous forms of differentiation, but as a part of modern society. We present first the central concepts that frame the theoretical reflections, the criticism of this position, some conceptual clarifications needed and finally, some ways of refocusing the problem and a research program for the inequality of society. Relevance: The paper focuses on the concept of “inequality” from the perspective of Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory.

Open peer commentary on the article “Ontology, Reality and Construction in Niklas Luhmann’s Theory” by Krzysztof C. Matuszek. Upshot: I discuss the conception of “reality” that Matuszek attributed to Luhmann’s work and the influence of “ontology” on his thought. It is argued that Luhmann’s system theory is based on the distinction system/environment and not on an ontological principle.

Open peer commentary on the article “Constructivism as a Key Towards Further Understanding of Communication, Culture and Society” by Raivo Palmaru. Upshot: I discuss the solution proposed in the target article to the classic sociological problem of “intersubjectivity,” which is based on the conceptual triad of culture, socialisation and communication. From a constructivist perspective, I argue that Palmaru’s proposal does not advance on this matter. Erratum: The correct commentator's affiliation is "University of Chile”.

Open peer commentary on the article “Towards a Dialogue Among Constructivist Research Programs” by Gastón Becerra & José Antonio Castorina. Upshot: I discuss the strategy proposed in the target article to address constructivist epistemology by means of “dualities.” I argue that the concept of “form” is more suitable for answering constructivist questions, and I explore some consequences of this proposal.

Upshot: Firstly, we discuss the main criticisms of our arguments. Secondly, we address the comments and observations on some parts of our article. We conclude with some reflections about the perspectives of the discussion on the autopoiesis concept.

Context: Although the theory of autopoietic systems was originally formulated to explain the phenomenon of life from an operational and temporal perspective, sociologist Niklas Luhmann incorporated it later within his theory of social systems. Due to this adoption, there have been several discussions regarding the applicability of this concept beyond its biological origins. Problem: This article addresses the conception of Luhman’s autopoietic social systems, and confronts this vision with criticism both of the original authors of the concept of autopoiesis and of other social theorists in order to elucidate the main problems of this debate and its possible solutions. Method: The objectives of the article are reached by means of a theoretical reconstruction of the main issues of the debate on the concept of autopoiesis. The main method used for the research is the use of documentary sources to discuss the arguments. Results: We claim that it is justified to extend the concept of autopoiesis from its biological origin to other disciplines, and to develop its interdisciplinary character, following the spirit of systems theory and constructivism. Implications: Our results are useful for promoting the development of new interdisciplinary research in the field of systems theory and constructivism. Important changes to practice should be made, namely, the development of new research methods, new concepts and perspectives. Constructivist content: The concept of autopoiesis is one of the fundamental concepts of the constructivist epistemology. The discussion proposes a radical understanding of this concept in order to realize all its explanatory potential.

Key words: Biological autopoiesis, social autopoiesis, systems theory, Niklas Luhmann.