I’m not sure I get what you concretely mean by this boundary/membrane, but it sounds a lot like what is between a system and its environment, as discussed by Luhmann, i.e., that which differentiates.
I had a quick chat with ChatGPT about it:
What does “the difference that makes the difference” (Luhmann) mean in the context of the separation between a system and its environment?
ChatGPT-4:
“The difference that makes the difference” is a concept that originates from Gregory Bateson, a British anthropologist, and social scientist, but has been adopted by other theorists like Niklas Luhmann, a German sociologist known for his systems theory.
In Luhmann’s systems theory, the world is seen as a vast network of interrelated systems. A system, in this view, is defined by a boundary that separates it from its environment. This environment comprises everything not included within the boundary of the system, which may in turn include other systems. The boundary is what allows a system to maintain its identity and function in a specific way, distinct from its environment.
The phrase “the difference that makes the difference” in this context essentially refers to the critical factors that distinguish a system from its environment and make it a separate entity. It’s about the unique qualities or elements within a system that give it its distinct identity and enable it to function and adapt in its own way.
In Luhmann’s sociological systems theory, for example, these “differences” might be the rules, norms, or social structures that separate one social system (like a legal system or an educational system) from another or from the broader societal environment. It’s these differences that allow the system to process information and manage complexity in a way that’s specific to that system. This concept emphasizes the idea of self-organization and autonomy, suggesting that systems actively construct their own boundaries and manage their interactions with their environments.
To summarize, “the difference that makes the difference” refers to the characteristics and factors that define and separate a system from its environment, enabling it to function and adapt in its specific way. This is a crucial aspect of Luhmann’s systems theory, reflecting the system’s autonomy and self-organization.
but it sounds a lot like what is between a system and its environment
yes. and i think i particularly mean this to mean only boundaries that are ‘natural’ in some way. probably homeostatic/self-maintaining.
Looked at ChatGPT blurb- Yes this seems extremely related. Thank you, I wasn’t aware of his work and i’ll have to look into it! Let me know if you do think of any good resources
these “differences” might be the rules, norms, or social structures that separate one social system
this i might disagree with a little. Ie: I wouldn’t call the “difference” of a cell from its environment the specific ion channels… I’d call the ‘difference’ the force of agency that’s constructing and maintaining the boundary. (I agree that the rules or norms are differences, though. ugh, terminology)
I recommend his seminal work Social Systems, though I can’t say how good the English translation is. I have read the German original, and it is difficult to read because its approach to its quite abstract subject is to explain and explore from many angles and refer to the body of prior work and their terminology without the benefit of math (though math wouldn’t help much I guess at this stage of the field).
I’m not sure I get what you concretely mean by this boundary/membrane, but it sounds a lot like what is between a system and its environment, as discussed by Luhmann, i.e., that which differentiates.
I had a quick chat with ChatGPT about it:
ChatGPT-4:
yes. and i think i particularly mean this to mean only boundaries that are ‘natural’ in some way. probably homeostatic/self-maintaining.
Looked at ChatGPT blurb- Yes this seems extremely related. Thank you, I wasn’t aware of his work and i’ll have to look into it! Let me know if you do think of any good resources
this i might disagree with a little. Ie: I wouldn’t call the “difference” of a cell from its environment the specific ion channels… I’d call the ‘difference’ the force of agency that’s constructing and maintaining the boundary. (I agree that the rules or norms are differences, though. ugh, terminology)
A quick summary of Luhmann’s systems theory can be found on his Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niklas_Luhmann#Systems_theory
I recommend his seminal work Social Systems, though I can’t say how good the English translation is. I have read the German original, and it is difficult to read because its approach to its quite abstract subject is to explain and explore from many angles and refer to the body of prior work and their terminology without the benefit of math (though math wouldn’t help much I guess at this stage of the field).