Niklas Luhmann's anti-totalitarian observation of systems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the philosophical roots of Luhmann's theory in relation to its anti-totalitarian elements. Design/methodology/approach The paper offers a conceptual discussion of the critical and anti-totalitarian angle in Niklas Luhmann's system theory. Findings This paper finds that systems theory has a critical potential. Originality/value To the best of the authors' knowledge the anti-totalitarian element of Niklas Luhmann's system theory has not be discussed before the present contribution.