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The Morphogenetic Approach and the Idea of a Morphogenetic Society: The Role of Regularities

  • Andrea M. MaccariniEmail author
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Abstract

This chapter addresses the systematic significance of the idea of a morphogenetic society (MS), the questions it raises and the implications it has for the explanatory morphogenetic approach. The general thesis is that further articulation of the morphogenetic conceptual framework appears to be connected with the representation of society it offers, the relation being one of reciprocity. More precisely, it is argued that the idea of MS could stimulate theoretical work at the borders of the morphogenetic approach, to consolidate, expand, and face challenges to it. Specifically, the conceptualization of emergence, particularly of what can be called ‘emergence of the new’, raises issues related to abrupt (i.e., catastrophic) versus gradual change and profound versus superficial change. This chapter then focusses upon the issue of regularity, arguing that the idea of a MS entails a further articulation of the morphogenetic approach that involves a reconsideration of the concept of (social) regularity. Finally, it is also maintained that the morphogenetic approach allows for an original representation of global society, based on a non-functionalistic, non-evolutionistic, non-teleological conceptual framework, and provides a fully processual conceptualization of social order.

Keywords

Morphogenetic society (MS) Idea of a Morphogenetic society Emergence of the new Profound versus superficial change Concept of Social Regularity 
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© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Political Juridical and International StudiesUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly

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