The social theoretical discussions of recent decades have led to new demands for a general social theory. What should a general theory of the social look like that understands the circle of legitimate actors as historically variable, i.e., contingent, rather than automatically limiting it to the circle of living humans? One that does not take the nature-culture distinction as given, but understands it as a possible order of access to the world? One that analyzes order not only as a social order but also incorporates materiality and the dimensions of space and time? One that can understand violence as a formative force of order? One that opens up a perspective for formulating a theory of society? In light of the general theory debate, this book brings together three strands of discussion: on the one hand, the K.