Exploring the Boundaries of Media: An In-Depth Analysis
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Chapter 1: Understanding Media and Its Definitions
The term "media" has evolved to encompass a wide variety of forms, from ancient rock paintings to contemporary blockbuster films. A brief online search yields numerous definitions of media and media theory, particularly concerning mass media. For the purpose of this discussion, I will define media theory as the scholarly study that connects various subjects to different media forms. Despite the extensive discourse surrounding media theory, the metaphysical aspects of media and its effects on human beings often remain enigmatic and misunderstood. This essay aims to investigate both the physical characteristics of media and its metaphysical elements, along with their impacts on the human body and mind.
Given my belief that media can be seen as a dynamic entity—potentially parasitic or symbiotic in nature—I contend that countless discussions and conclusions can emerge from this premise. To begin, consider the question: What qualifies as media? While this may appear straightforward, a simplistic answer would overlook the complexities we've explored in this course. Thus, understanding the limitations and boundaries of media is crucial for defining its essence and discerning its impacts on humanity.
Media's interaction with reality has been a focal point of inquiry since ancient Greek philosophy. Although Plato may not have recognized it, his allegory of the cave has led humanity into an abyss of existential contemplation. Through the lens of media theory, we uncover the significant power that our sensory experiences—our media cave—hold in shaping our perception of reality. While media and reality continuously interact, articulating the nuances of their relationship is not straightforward, yet it is undeniably present. Adopting a Cartesian perspective, we might even draw parallels between our sensory experiences and the notion of an "evil genius," suggesting that media could perpetuate grand illusions, as our minds and senses are inherently capable of self-deception.
Thus, we may question the extent to which media misleads humanity. While the existence of media is undeniable, our awareness of it grants us a degree of control over our identities. Nevertheless, the influence of media on our thoughts and perspectives is substantial. Detaching from this influence might seem possible, yet to do so would require severing ties with our own reflections. It is imperative to remain vigilant against the capacity of media to lull the unsuspecting into a “subliminal state of Narcissus trance,” imposing its own biases and values. Consequently, discussions about media theory are invariably shaped by the various media forms, creating potential gaps in our comprehension of the subject.
Section 1.1: The Metaphysical Nature of Media
In conclusion, we can affirm that the media/sensorium exists, exerts control over us, and that we are theoretically semi-autonomous beings capable of achieving autonomy. To grasp the concept of existence, we must differentiate between its physical and metaphysical states. The metaphysical aspect highlights the connection between the abstract qualities of media and its tangible form, revealing its influence on the tangible world. Here, we find the intersection of the two: a medium serves as a physical vessel for a metaphysical representation, almost akin to a miniature version of Plato's cave.
Moving forward, we will explore the physical constraints of media, beginning with its origins.
Section 1.2: Defining the Origin of Media
An intriguing question arises: What is the first medium? The search for the origin of any object poses significant challenges. Thomas Aquinas' theory of causation, in summary, posits that nothing can cause itself; thus, an infinite causal chain is impossible, necessitating a First Cause, often identified as God. For those who believe in a higher power, this could serve as the definitive answer regarding the origin of media—a divine genesis. However, if we dismiss divine causation and adopt a more empirical approach, we can argue that media has been developed through direct causation.
To further explore the complexities of media creation, the video "20 'Medium Difficulty' Problems to Help You Study for a Limits Exam" offers insights into the conceptual frameworks surrounding limits and their applications.
Moving on, we must ask ourselves: What drives the creation of media? Does the act of creating a medium necessitate an intelligent creator? Conversely, could media emerge without a creator? I assert that media cannot spontaneously arise; it requires a creating entity, which may or may not possess sentience.
In this context, we must also consider whether a medium can exist independently. The philosophical query, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” is relevant here. George Berkeley argues that there are two categories of existence: spirits and ideas. Spirits are active beings that produce and perceive ideas, while ideas are passive entities that are produced and perceived. Humans fall into both categories, and mediums exhibit a similar duality.
Subsection 1.2.1: Autonomy and Media
Can we attribute autonomy or a spirit to mediums? Some mediums can indeed generate other media, prompting us to question whether this self-creation indicates autonomy. Alternatively, does true autonomy require self-reflection, as suggested by Descartes' cogito ergo sum? Ultimately, we might ask whether a spirit can originate from an idea. Is media inherently autonomous, or does it merely possess the potential for autonomy? I would argue that while media is not intrinsically autonomous, it can develop such attributes. Furthermore, mediums are capable of producing new mediums, both directly and indirectly, implying that their creators do not necessarily possess the ability to think as described in Cartesian philosophy.
From these discussions, we can draw several conclusions: media likely arises from a creator, whether autonomous or non-autonomous. This notion aligns with our understanding of causation as it pertains to the origins of various entities.
The second video, "Telegram and the Limits of Freedom of Speech on Social Media (Part II) || Peter Zeihan," examines the implications of media on societal discourse, further illustrating the complexities of media's influence.
Section 1.3: The Role of Purpose in Media Creation
Is purpose a necessary component in media creation? To explore this, we first need to define what "purpose" entails. Typically, purpose refers to the reason behind an action or creation. While animals can produce media, they do not possess an inherent desire to create. In contrast, just as an artist might splatter paint on a canvas, various beings and phenomena can leave impressions on the world merely by existing.
Consequently, mediums do not always require explicit purpose. For instance, a simple footprint can represent existence without any particular intention behind it. David Hume’s Copy Principle suggests that all our thoughts derive from experience, leading to the conclusion that ideas emerge from interactions with the media around us, including our own bodies.
Chapter 2: The Materiality and Limits of Media
The material nature of media implies that any substance can potentially serve as a medium. However, not every object is inherently a medium; it must undergo a transformation process to achieve that status. This process can range from the simplicity of leaving a footprint to the complexity of composing a literary work.
To better understand the components of a medium, we can identify two essential elements: a transmitter (an object capable of impression and communication) and an impression itself. These components serve as limiting factors in the creation of new media; if either ceases to exist, so too does the medium.
Returning to the topic of media's origins, we encounter two perspectives: a universal origin and a day-to-day origin. The concept of a first medium may remain elusive, given the myriad factors contributing to reality's inception. Thus, we might refocus our attention on the daily creation of media. If an individual wishes to produce a medium, the process likely begins with an idea—an interpretation of reality or a synthesis of various aspects thereof.
As we navigate this exploration, we may conclude that movement is a fundamental aspect of media creation. The act of movement is always intertwined with the generation of media, raising the possibility that the origin of all media is linked to movement itself.
Section 2.1: The Flawed Nature of Media
By its very nature, media is both filtered and flawed. Its creation necessitates transformation, converting energy into physical properties. This process inherently filters out aspects of reality, meaning that representations will always fall short of capturing the entirety of existence. Consequently, mediums cannot fully reveal the complexities of reality.
The implications of this assertion are profound: since human senses serve as media for reality, our understanding of the world is inevitably limited. Our perception, shaped by the filtering processes of media, is inherently flawed.
Section 2.2: Physical Limitations of Media
Media does possess physical constraints. According to the second law of thermodynamics, everything eventually reaches an endpoint. Considering the potential end of all media, we can speculate that it would culminate in the destruction of the last representation. However, what constitutes that representation remains uncertain. While not all fundamental particles and atoms qualify as media, we recognize that all media is physical and comprised of atoms.
The cessation of atoms and the dissipation of energy may signify the end of all media, assuming we accept that media exists solely within the physical realm. Yet, if humanity were to transcend the physical, as illustrated in Isaac Asimov's "The Last Question," human consciousness could evolve into a form of media, thereby extending the life of human media beyond physical limitations.
Returning to our examination of media's evolution, Marshall McLuhan, a pivotal figure in modern media theory, emphasizes that reading is fundamentally an act of interpretation, highlighting the interconnectedness between the observer and the image.
As humans and media continue to evolve in a symbiotic relationship, McLuhan famously stated, "the medium is the message." This concept revolutionized our understanding of media, suggesting that the medium itself profoundly influences the human experience, often overshadowing the content it conveys.
In conclusion, the quest for immortality drives humanity's relationship with media. This desire to transcend death and achieve eternal representation fuels the evolution of media forms. In a society increasingly oriented toward spectacle, individuals aspire to become media themselves, seeking to overcome the limitations imposed by mortality.
Ultimately, this essay underscores the essential limitations of media: its reliance on physical existence and inherent constraints in expression. While the union between humans and media may hold the key to transcending these limitations, the future remains uncertain. In the meantime, a focus on the intricate relationship between humans and media, particularly in the context of technological advancements, is paramount.
References:
- Aquinas, T. (2007). Summa theologica. New York: Cosimo Classics.
- Bettcher, T. M. (2008). Berkeley: A Guide for the Perplexed. p. 14.
- Hume, D. (2007). A Treatise of Human Nature. Wildside Books.
- Hume, D. (2019). Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Blurb.
- McLuhan, M. (1964). Understanding Media.
- Marshall McLuhan Full Lecture: The Medium is the Message — 1977 Part 1 v 3 [Video file]. (2011). Retrieved from 1977.
- Sontag, S. (2019). Regarding the Pain of Others. London: Penguin Books.
- Sontag, S. (2019). On Photography. Harmondsworth: Penguin.