Early systems theory was criticized for defining power out of existence

Evidence

Since the early 1960s, a number of studies in the wider field of systems theory that analysed the political system and related phenomena had been published. These publications had received considerable criticism, however, for their neglect of the role of power. It seemed that the control abilities associated with the term system would define power out of existence. — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 27

Categorization

Category: Factual Claims

Related

• Theorizing power requires borrowing general concepts from other domains rather than defining it directly (similarity 0.80)
• Treating power as capacity for damage only suits archaic undifferentiated societies (similarity 0.80)
• Parsons distinguished power and influence as separate media of exchange. (similarity 0.79)
• Trust and Power predate Luhmann’s autopoiesis turn (similarity 0.79)
• Luhmann’s systems are empirical realities, not analytical constructs (similarity 0.79)

Broader Connections

• Endless theorizing of power can empty power of real meaning #corroborates (0.75)
• Excessive theorizing can empty power of its material exercise #corroborates (0.70) — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 258