The Work of Culture in the Age of Cybernetic SystemsBill Nichols (1988)Presented by Jasper SluijsCourse: Computer as an Expressive MediumProfessor: dr. Ali MazalekNovember 07Bill Nichols Professor Cinema Studies SFSUPhD (Theater Studies) UCLAMedical School (!)Walter Benjamin (1892-1940)German, Jewish and MarxistFrankfurter SchuleShort oeuvre, suicideWalter BenjaminAura & Mechanical ReproductionWalter BenjaminAura & Mechanical ReproductionWith mechanical reproduction, artefact looses autheticity (“Aura”)Walter BenjaminAura & Mechanical ReproductionWith mechanical reproduction, artefact looses autheticity (“Aura”)This is a good thing!allows for democratizationallows for critical participationWalter BenjaminAura & Mechanical ReproductionWith mechanical reproduction, artefact looses autheticity (“Aura”)This is a good thing!allows for democratizationallows for critical participationFilm as quintessential mediumWalter BenjaminAura & Mechanical ReproductionWith mechanical reproduction, artefact looses autheticity (“Aura”)This is a good thing!allows for democratizationallows for critical participationFilm as quintessential mediumNichols: Similar situation with cybernetics?CyberneticsCybernetics“Self regulating system within predefined boundaries to execute a predefined task”Cybernetics“Self regulating system within predefined boundaries to execute a predefined task”Cybernetics“Self regulating system within predefined boundaries to execute a predefined task”(relies on computation)Cybernetics & PerceptionCybernetics & PerceptionExtended possibilities to render simulations and simulacra (Baudrillard)Computer as two-way process (as opposed to film and television)Results:Results:Cybernetics render experience itself as problematicResults:Cybernetics render experience itself as problematic Cybernetics simulate social processes (illusion of control)Results:Cybernetics render experience itself as problematic Cybernetics simulate social processes (illusion of control) > focus on procedure in stead of object!The paradox of all this...The paradox of all this...Cybernetics afford unprecedented opportunities for social change (collectivity, democratization)The paradox of all this...Cybernetics afford unprecedented opportunities for social change (collectivity, democratization)Cybernetics still function within an industrial and hierarchical structure of media ownershipThe paradox of all this...Cybernetics afford unprecedented opportunities for social change (collectivity, democratization)Cybernetics still function within an industrial and hierarchical structure of media ownershipParadox: new phenomenon treatened by the existing structure it tries to overturn in the first place!Paradox gets mediated in...Paradox gets mediated in...Court!Paradox gets mediated in...Court!Paradox gets mediated in...Reveals problems in original copyright lawCourt!Paradox gets mediated in...Reveals problems in original copyright lawIn any case: invented to support the individual, ¬ the corporationCourt!Paradox gets mediated in...Reveals problems in original copyright lawIn any case: invented to support the individual, ¬ the corporationSevering copyright law ultimately kills
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