Luhmann likens the operation of autopoiesis (the filtering and processing of information from the environment) to a program, making a series of logical distinctions (in German, Unterscheidungen).

There is no logical distinction.

"I think you can make a very logical distinction between long-haul and short-haul," the chairman of the Metro-North committee, Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff, said.

I can see no logical distinction.

But Chris Oldi pressed him to make a more precise logical distinction.

Unlike a purely logical distinction, an intentional distinction always implies a sort of composition, although it is minor with regard to that implied by a distinction in reality.

I understand the logical distinction you are trying to impart.

I see no logical or constitutional distinction between the arguments about liquor advertising and any other legal product where health and safety concerns have been raised.

Therefore, we must take harmonization forward, we must respect the principle of subsidiarity and we must respect the causes which mean that different countries have logical distinctions in their tax burden.

It is not surprising that in practice it was sometimes difficult to keep to the logical distinctions described above.