This exciting and innovative book fills a gap in the growing area of discourse analysis within the social sciences. It provides the analytical tools with which students and their teachers can understand the complex and often conflicting discourses across a range of social science disciplines.Examining the theories of Foucault, Koselleck, Laclau and Luhmann, the book:· focuses on the political and social aspects of their writing;· discusses and combines their theories to suggest new analytical strategies for understanding society;· combines theory with practical illustrations.A best seller in Denmark, this English edition is vital reading for anyone with an interest in discourse analysis. It will also be invaluable to anyone looking at the analytical works of Foucault, Koselleck, Laclau and Luhmann. Students will find the clear exposition of the theories and strategies supported by an easy-to-digest, easy-to-read layout, which includes summaries and boxed examples highlighting the relevance of analytical strategies to social and policy research.

Introduction: from method to analytical strategy; The discourse analysis of Michel Foucault; Koselleck's history of concepts; The discourse theory of Ernesto Laclau; Niklas Luhmann's systems theory; Hall of mirrors or a reservoir of analytical strategies.