Simulacra and Simulation
$39.35
- Paperback
164 pages
- Release Date
22 December 1994
Summary
This foundational work in postmodern philosophy and cultural theory explores how contemporary society has replaced reality and meaning with symbols and signs, leading to a condition Baudrillard calls “hyperreality.” In his provocative treatise, Baudrillard examines the implications of a world where simulations (copies without originals) precede and shape what we consider real, blurring the boundary between reality and representation. Through analysis of mass media, consumer culture, and technological influence, he argues that modern life is dominated by “simulacra,” images and concepts that no longer refer to any authentic reality but instead reference each other, creating an endless cycle of signification detached from truth. With references ranging from Disneyland to the news media, this book offers a challenging critique of how people in the late twentieth century and beyond perceive, construct, and interact with the world, underlining the instability of meaning in a media-saturated culture.
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780472065219 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0472065211 |
| Author: | Jean Baudrillard, Sheila Faria Glaser |
| Publisher: | The University of Michigan Press |
| Imprint: | The University of Michigan Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 164 |
| Release Date: | 22 December 1994 |
| Weight: | 226g |
| Dimensions: | 18mm x 132mm x 229mm |
| Series: | The Body, In Theory: Histories of Cultural Materialism |
Critics Review
“Simulacra and Simulation is arguably Baudrillard’s most important book. In it he moves from a theory of consumer society governed by a ‘code’ to a general theory of culture that problematizes ‘reality.’ His idea of the hyperreal informs most discussions.”
– Mark Poster, University of California, Irvine“Baudrillard’s studies in simulacra and simulation are among his most important work, particularly as they pertain to his concept of postmodernity and analyses of postmodern culture. The English translation of these essays is therefore very welcome.”
– Douglas Kellner, University of Texas, Austin“… a very accessible introduction to [Baudrillard’s] thought.”
* The Year’s Work in Critical and Cultural Theory *Jean Baudrillard
Sheila Glaser is an editor at Artforum magazine.
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