An Analysis of Differentiated Scientific Disciplines:

An Approach to Functional Differentiation based N. Luhmann's Theory

Abstract

This paper considers differentiated scientific disciplines using the concept of functional differentiation. According to social systems theory, society has evolved to a state in which it consists of a variety of large communication systems that can be identified by the functions they perform. The goal of this paper is to show that science is structured in the same way. Modern science is characterized by functional differentiation.