Different Kinds of Openings of Luhmann's Systems Theory: A Reply to la Cour et al
回应关于开放卢曼系统理论的呼吁，指出其内在开放性，并讨论国际、理论和经验三种开放方式，为研究者使用该理论进行经验研究提供参考。
Various researchers have called for an `opening up' of Luhmann's systems theory. We take this short paper as an occasion for a critical reflection on the necessity, existence and possibilities of such an opening. We start by pointing out the inherent openness of Luhmann's theory, and, based on this, discuss three kinds of openings: the international opening, the theoretical opening and the empirical opening. With regard to the latter, we distinguish three general options of using Luhmann's theory for empirical research.