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Semiotics, Part II- Simulations and simulacra

This week we will explore the relationships between society, reality and signs. In particular you will learn about the concept of the simulation, simulacra and hyperreal as outlined by the French intellectual Jean Baudrillard.

This black and white photo shows the face and upper body of Jean Baudrillard. He is in Soho, London, posing next to an iron fence looking at the camera. He is a mature man slightly bald and with big glasses. He is wearing a winter jacket.

Task 3

Analysis

1

Before reading, go to Google maps (opens in a new window) and follow the instructions below:

  1. Search for Guildford (United Kingdom).
  2. Zoom into the center of the town and compare a Map, Satellite view and Street view of Guildford.
  3. Write an explanation of what you think is real and what would be a simulation of reality.

One can argue that none of these representations are indeed real. They are simulations of the real terrain that is being mapped.Check your answer

Reading

Baudrillard, Jean (1994), Simulacra and Simulation, (opens in a new window) Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press.

Read section I. "The Precession of Simulacras" in Baudrillard's text and answer the question below.

2

In this section Baudrillard provides an example of a fictional story by the writer Jorge Luis Borges that refers to the construction of a real life size map. According to Baudrillard what would be considered such an object?

For Baudrillard such a map would constitute a simulation of the real territory.Check your answer

3

According to Baudrillard what is the difference between the real and the hyperreal?

The hyperreal is a real without origin or reality. The real, per Baudrillard, no longer "really" exists because everything is simulation.Check your answer

Recommended Reading

These are other readings (open in a new window) related to this topic.

Auslander P. (2008). "Jean Baudrillard" Theory for Performance Studies: A Student's Guide. London & New York: Routledge. pp.56-59

Oberly, N. (2003). "Reality, hyperreality" in Theories of Media, The University of Chicago. Available at: http://csmt.uchicago.edu/glossary2004/realityhyperreality.htm

Sandoz, N. (2003). "Simulation, simulacrum" in Theories of Media, The University of Chicago. Available at: http://csmt.uchicago.edu/glossary2004/simulationsimulacrum.htm