다원주의와 기능적 분화

Abstract

I think the important trend that characterize modern society are ‘pluralism’ and ‘functional differentiation’. I believe that the modern world we live in is an era in which the idea of ​​absolute right is over and ideas based on different values ​​coexist. The age of natural law dominated the ancient, medieval, and modern times, but gave way to positivism in modern times. Relativism, previously non-mainstream, has risen to a mainstream position in modern times. This trend is represented by ‘pluralism’. I assert that the ‘functional differentiation as factual concept’ should be considered when designing a normative social theory suitable for modern society. If the ideal content is set as normative concept without considering the functional differentiation that takes place in reality, this may be indescribable in theory, but it becomes a difficult concept to realize in reality. I present ‘functional differentiation as normative concept’ or ‘functional differentiation as normative task’ as normative social theory suitable for modern society. Functional differentiation as a factual concept proceeds in modern society, but in many cases it is not realized properly by the ‘totality of capitalism’. Functions favorable to capitalism are well differentiated, while functions far from capitalism are eliminated. For example, the economic system is differentiated and differentiated, but the welfare system is not. ‘Functional differentiation as normative concept’ that the author claims is concerned with ‘functional systems’ that have not been properly differentiated in modern capitalist society. At the same time, it tries to limit the excessive influence of the economic system reinforced by capitalism. A functional system that is completely autonomous under the influence of the economic system cannot realistically exist, but it cannot be underestimated that the autonomy of various functional systems is destroyed by the economic system. It is true that the function of economy is important in society, but it would be (figuratively speaking) the function of the heart in an organism. The heart plays an important role in supplying blood and oxygen to many other organs, but does not interfere with the autonomy of other organs. The economic system is the most important functional system, such as the heart or brain, but it only helps the functional systems of other societies to function properly. The ‘functional differentiation as normative concept’ does not argue that the entire society should be reformed as ideology. It criticizes the excessive influence of the ‘economic system’ on other functional systems by the totality of capitalism, and demands that the state take the initiative to form a functional system such as poorly differentiated welfare system for the protection of the socially weak. I believe that when the ongoing ‘functional differentiation of society’ is normatively adjusted, it will become a proper ‘functional differentiation’.