Reflexivity at the level of the social system, however, remains distributed and therefore subsymbolic. The reflexive network feeds back on the substantive networks and social change can then be expected. It tends to differentiate, since then more complexity can be handled. Thus, it propels towards a pluriform society. Social structure can be considered as the retention mechanism of these dynamics.
Concepts have different meaning with reference to different systems.
The concepts have to be provided with a system of reference. Thus, one moves from a conceptual analysis towards empirical research questions. Cusanus, indeed, pops up in these discussions. Perhaps, we should have had planned a session at 4S about these issues.