The public sphere in a Luhmannian perspective: a contribution to the concepts of observation and differentiation

Purpose The objective of this work is to explore possible relationships of theoretical affinity that the concept of public sphere (understood in its original German formulation: Öffentlichkeit) can establish with Luhmann’s concepts of observation and differentiation. In this way, we aim to demonstrate that it can occupy a central place within the author’s theory. Design/methodology/approach We made a literature review of Luhmann’s writings and some of its readers in order to compare the concept of public sphere with two main concepts of his work: observation and differentiation. Findings For each one of the concepts (differentiation and observation), we have postulated and developed a theoretical proposition that demonstrates the deep connection between the respective concept and the concept of public sphere. Originality/value Luhmann’s concept of public sphere never received much attention. The author developed it only in a few pages, and it never achieved a theoretical centrality alongside other main concepts such as contingency, differentiation, meaning, communication, etc. Nevertheless, we argue here that, despite being little developed by the author, the concept of public sphere has an unexplored potential that allows it to be placed alongside other central concepts in his work.