This Research Topic revisits Niklas Luhmann's transdisciplinary systems theory as a living framework for observing and analyzing the complexity of modern society. Rather than offering a theory of reality, Luhmann provides a theory for observing through distinctions, not facts; through meaning, not data. As a structured observational program, systems theory allows for a second-order understanding of how social, psychic, and functional systems operate, stabilize, and transform. We invite contributions that use, extend, or reflect on systems theory in contemporary research contexts. This includes empirical applications, theoretical elaborations, methodological considerations, disciplinary perspectives and practice-based perspectives. All submissions should treat systems theory as a transdisciplinary tool for structured observation or as an object of observation itself.

The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a platform for interdisciplinary work that employs systems theory as an epistemological and analytical framework. We aim to explore how Luhmann’s distinctions (e.g., system/environment, code/form, observation/second-order observation) can be productively applied across domains such as law, education, science, therapy, policing, ecology, and communication. By gathering theoretical and applied research in one place, this Topic seeks to advance systems-theoretical thinking, stimulate dialogue across disciplines, and promote the continued development of observation-based, reflexive research approaches.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions that engage with Luhmannian systems theory as a structured observation framework. We encourage theoretical, conceptual, empirical, and practice-based submissions from all fields. Relevant topics include (but are not limited to):
· Applications of systems theory in specific domains (e.g., science, education, law, criminal justice, media, therapy)
· Reflexive observation and second-order analysis
· Code dynamics and functional differentiation
· Structural coupling and communication across systems
· Systems theory and epistemology
· Comparisons between Luhmann and other (system) theoretical traditions
· The role of systems theory in research practice

Submissions may include original research, conceptual analyses, theoretical reviews, brief reports, case studies, perspective articles and others. All contributions should clearly articulate how they make use of systems theory as an observational or methodological tool.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Building on Luhmann: Advances in Systems-Theoretical Observation and Application