Power functions like a catalyst, not a cause, in social systems
Evidence
Accordingly, the power of the power-holder is not satisfactorily described as a cause, or even a potential cause. It can be compared rather with the complex function of a catalyst. Catalysts accelerate (or decelerate) the triggering of events; without themselves changing in the process, they cause changes in the ratio of effective connections (or probability) expected from chance connections between system and environment. Thus, in the end they produce a gain in time – always a critical factor for the construction of complex systems. In this respect – and this we will term, following Kant, the concept of schematism – they are more general than their respective products. In the process of catalysis, they do not change, or do not change to the same extent as the accelerated (or decelerated) process produces or inhibits effects. — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 603
Categorization
Category: Definitional Content
- DEFINE: Defines power as a catalytic schematism — the medium itself stays unchanged while altering the probability of connections, which is exactly how a facial hierarchy like the butler’s role transmits trust without visibly exercising force.
Related
- Power is code-guided communication, not a property possessed by anyone (similarity 0.79)
- Power systems deploy deference and silence to avoid confronting their own failures (similarity 0.79)
- Theorizing power requires borrowing general concepts from other domains rather than defining it directly (similarity 0.79)
- Power works best when power is rarely actually needed (similarity 0.79)
- Power can be analyzed as a symbolically generalized communication medium. (similarity 0.78)
Broader Connections
- Power catalyzes action chains that reduce the complexity of coordinating many parties
#expands(0.90) — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 654 - Power as damage threat cannot explain power’s order-creating function in complex societies.
#expands(0.60) — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 636