The Operative Constructivism of Luhmann and his Reflection on Scientific Knowledge

Abstract

This article advances towards the specification of the operative constructivism of Niklas Luhmann, by identifying a series of key ontological and epistemological principles to characterize his means of coping with tensions between realism and constructivism. First, it exposes the bases of the theory of the observer, then it examines Luhmann’s approach to addressing a series of ontological problems, and third, it observes the way reflection on the scientific system leads to operative constructivism. Subsequently, it contrasts it with radical constructivism, fifth, it specifies its function in modern society, and, finally, the results obtained are described in the conclusions.