Jean Baudrillard (1929– 2007) was a French cultural theorist, sociologist, philosopher, political commentator, and photographer. He also is the author of one of my favorite books, Simulacra and Simulation. Originally published in 1985 it is a philosophical exploration of reality and hyperreality. I’ve read that [...]
Jean Baudrillard (1929– 2007) was a French cultural theorist, sociologist, philosopher, political commentator, and photographer. He also is the author of one of my favorite books, Simulacra and Simulation. Originally published in 1985 it is a philosophical exploration of reality and hyperreality. I’ve read that some have claimed it is hard to read, specifically the English translation from French. However, I believe some have greater trouble following the ideas Baudrillard covers rather than the wording itself. The idea of hyperreality is by nature difficult to follow. One famous comparison has been with the movie, “The Matrix” where a simulated reality is created by machines. The movie exposes two realities, the true reality and a hyperreality that most believe to be true. The book even makes an appearance in the film. Baudrillard argues that reality, due to the current social condition, does not exist. He saw how our media-driven society creates a hyperreality in which everyone lives and thrives. Like much of philosophy, I take each reading with a grain of salt. However, it is great that such writings exist to spark our interest and wake us up from the commercialized world we live in.
Neo holds the book “Simulacra and Simulation”
Neo hollowed out the book in order to hide his computer files.
Morpheus tries to describe the matrix to Neo.
Morpheus: “The matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work, when you go to church, when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.”
Neo: “What truth?”
Morpheus: “That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Born into a prison that you cannot smell or taste or touch. A prison for your mind.”
5 Responses
nice insight…i never would have known this stuff
Reading Marx, Durkheim, Baudrillard, etc., is enough to drive one MAD because there is not a single solitary sociological approach to answer questions about what society has become and why.
Nevertheless, it is very interesting to read all of their perspectives, as they help us to think outside of the ‘paradigm’ and formulate our own conclusions and answers to social questions.
Philosophically, this guy sounds like a nihilist.
I believe Baudrillard has stated that the movie was a misuse of his work but it has never been confirmed that he ever saw the film.
the conversation between Neo and Morpheus is explain in Kabbalah.
i have a friend in olso who teaches matrix as a mythology in norwegian film school. i love how you interface with philosophy, specifically Baudrillard, although many people were concerned with hyper realism and the blurring of perceived boundaries. like turntablism, ideas are too juxtaposed and interwoven between many styles.. of thought… and made into new rhythms spun beautifully on the chasm over chaos and order