Physical force achieves effects largely free of symbolic preconditions

Evidence

As the upshot of all these reflections on the theme of physical force, it has to be borne in mind that the widespread idea of an opposition or a one-dimensional polarity, existing between legitimacy and physical force, or between consensus and coercion, is misleading. This idea seems to be concerned with a bourgeois construction which parallels the problem of situating the exercise of physical force in the present, which we have just dealt with. Such a concept is part of the power-code itself, is therefore a prescription for conduct, and suggests that the power-holder should always strive for consensus before using physical force. Such a statement is much too simple for a theory of power and, above all, as a conceptual instrument for the analysis of the relationship between generalizations and the compatibility/incompatibility of media symbols and symbiotic mechanisms. — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 717 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Power symbols express stabilized possibility, not resemblance to what is possible.; Physical force mediates power’s symbolic and organic levels, differentiating political power; Legitimacy and physical force are symbolically interlinked, not opposites — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 717 (+6 more)

Related

• Physical force mediates power’s symbolic and organic levels, differentiating political power (similarity 0.94)
• Legitimacy and physical force are symbolically interlinked, not opposites (similarity 0.92)
• Power symbols express stabilized possibility, not resemblance to what is possible. (similarity 0.86)
• Legitimacy and force co-vary through symbolic mediation, not inverse proportion (similarity 0.84)
• Physical force constitutes power because it asymmetrically orders parties’ relative preferences (similarity 0.83)
• Physical force cannot generate surplus value in other media like truth or love (similarity 0.81)
• Symbolically generalized power exceeds linear gains in physical force (similarity 0.80)
• Symbolization collapses complex power conditions into experienced units. (similarity 0.80)
• Routine life runs on institutionalized legitimate power, not on brutality (similarity 0.80)
• Symbolic definition and coercion both constitute state social control (similarity 0.79)
• Power can be analyzed as a symbolically generalized communication medium. (similarity 0.79)
• Power operates through indirect communication, not direct action (similarity 0.78)
• Power operates as a communication medium of conditional alternative-pairs, not raw force (similarity 0.78)
• Power operates as modalized possibility rather than actual force or capability (similarity 0.78)
• Power and truth are symbolically generalized media that regulate motivation for acceptance. (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• Legitimacy and physical force are symbolically interlinked, not opposites #complicates (0.70) — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 717
• Power operates through symbolic influence while coercion abandons symbolic generalization #expands (0.60)
• Power as a medium frees influence from contingent motivational and historical preconditions #complicates (0.55)