THE ACQUISITION OF ACCEPTANCE - PROCEDURE S AND NEGOTIATIONS

An approach based on the principles of the sociology of knowledge is d esigned to analyze the problem of the social acceptance of decisions. This approach considers acceptance of decisions as depending on contin gent interpretations of the decision problem, and in this way tries to segregate the matter from its normative implications, especially from rationalistic concepts of acceptance, which attribute acceptance to a bstract principles of reason or value. Furthermore, it is presumed tha t interpretational knowledge which enables people to accept decisions is channeled by social constructions of reality. This analytical frame work is applied to two possible forms of acceptance acquisition: decis ion-making using legal procedures (as previously analyzed by Niklas Lu hmann) and decision-making by negotiating. The advantages and disadvan tages of both forms of acceptance acquisition are examined. in doing t his emphasis is put on the incapacity of legal procedures to lead to t he acceptance of decisions under specific conditions of social conflic t, and it is discussed if and how negotiations can be substitutes for legal procedures in these cases. Finally, conclusions are drawn concer ning the theory of society and the sociology of knowledge.