As symbolized potentials, conceptual arrangements have identifiable characteristics. They achieve simplification by dispensing with illustrating or anticipating what is possible. They are not models, maps or plans; they do not need to resemble what is possible. Instead they take for granted – almost as a functional equivalent for similarity – time, and opportunities which arise with time. Symbols express a stabilized possibility, a readiness of the system to act as its own catalyst which can become productive, if further conditions arise.

DEFINE: Clarifies how symbolic conceptual arrangements differ from models, maps, and plans — they rely on time rather than resemblance to encode possibility.

Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, loc. 639