Title: Facetten der Macht
Author: Peter Koller
Page: 107-133

Abstract: Social power has many facets. This paper aims to illuminate some of these. First of all, it considers the general conceptual framework in which the concept of power is embedded. The author then elaborates on an analysis of the elementary concept of social power resulting in a proposal how to define power. Furthermore, the article deals with complex networks of power relations, namely constellations and structures of power. Another section focuses on some special aspects of the dynamics of power structures. Finally, the author discusses the problem of legitimation of power.

Title: Drei Theorien der Macht
Author: Wolfgang Kersting
Page: 134-154

Abstract: In distinguishing and describing three types of theories of power, i. e. the concept of subjectivity-based power, the concept of system-based or structuralist power and the concept of intersubjectivity-based power, this paper analyses and discusses in detail the communitarian concept of power invented and developed by Hannah Arendt and criticizes her thesis of politics and community being independent of any considerations concerning normative truth.

Title: Macht oder Methaphysik
Author: Ulrich Steinvorth
Page: 155-169

Abstract: Our acting and thinking can be guided by two ends which may combine but are irreducible nevertheless: the end of satisfying one's interests and the end of distinguishing between true and false, right and wrong. Recognition of the difference between these ends led philosophers before the modern age to contrasting the life of power and the life of spirit or mind. Modern philosophers, in particular pragmatists, utilitarians and communication theorists, tried to show that truth and justice can be conceived of without implying an opposition to power and mind. I argue that they are wrong.

Title: Individuelles Handeln und Macht: Foucaults Herausforderung
Author: Anton Leist
Page: 170-183

Abstract: Foucault's twofold attack on the modern concept of power gives us something to think about. Backed by ingenious historical analyses he devises an idea of systemic an productive power, abstracted from the conceptual connections between power and individual power-sources, viz. power and restrictions of freedom. The article probes Foucault's historical sketches on these two tasks. It defends the less radical view of power as constraining interests and freedom.

Title: Zur Philosophie der Demokratie: Arrow-Theorem, Liberalität und strukturelle Normen
Author: Julian Nida-Rümelin
Page: 184-203

Abstract: The paradoxes and dilemmas of social choice theory can be taken as an argument against a certain view of democracy: For the identity theory democracy represents a collective actor standing for aggregated individual interests. According to a second model of society, democracy has its normative basis in structural traits of interaction and cooperation. Within the formal theory of politics both the Arrow-Theorem and the Liberal Paradox undermine the identity theory and give us reasons for the second, the normative theory which takes democracy as being constituted by strucutral rules.