a. What is "Enlightenment"?
It seems to be a way of viewing the world. Where mythology once was perceived as knowledge enlightenment demystifies this, accepting only answers that have a formula based on rules and probability.
b. What is "dialectic"?
In this particular case being the dialectic of enlightenment I suppose it refers to how enlightenment can be established through discourse.
c. What is "nominalism" and why is it an important concept in the text?
Nominalism is the denial of either the existence of universal objects or particular objects.
The denial of universal objects seems to better apply to the thought of enlightenment were things can be understood based on rules and probability.
It seems to be a way of viewing the world. Where mythology once was perceived as knowledge enlightenment demystifies this, accepting only answers that have a formula based on rules and probability.
b. What is "dialectic"?
In this particular case being the dialectic of enlightenment I suppose it refers to how enlightenment can be established through discourse.
c. What is "nominalism" and why is it an important concept in the text?
Nominalism is the denial of either the existence of universal objects or particular objects.
The denial of universal objects seems to better apply to the thought of enlightenment were things can be understood based on rules and probability.
d. What is the meaning and function of "myth" in Adorno and
Horkheimer's argument?
Myth in this meaning is a way of understanding the world, just as there is an enlightened way to understanding the world. Though, without a mythical worldview one cannot be enlightened. Both myth and enlightenment has to conform to existing boundaries, so one could perhaps make the argument that myth and enlightenment are the same.
2. "The Work of Art in the Age of Technical Reproductivity"
Myth in this meaning is a way of understanding the world, just as there is an enlightened way to understanding the world. Though, without a mythical worldview one cannot be enlightened. Both myth and enlightenment has to conform to existing boundaries, so one could perhaps make the argument that myth and enlightenment are the same.
2. "The Work of Art in the Age of Technical Reproductivity"
a. In the beginning of the essay, Benjamin talks about the relation
between "superstructure" and "substructure" in the
capitalist order of production. What do the concepts "superstructure"
and "substructure" mean in this context and what is the point of
analyzing cultural production from a Marxist perspective?
They represent different spheres in our society, where the substructure is sort of the production sphere and the superstructure that which is not related to the production. So where for example a painting can be produced in the substructure, it can be understood and interpreted in the superstructure.
They represent different spheres in our society, where the substructure is sort of the production sphere and the superstructure that which is not related to the production. So where for example a painting can be produced in the substructure, it can be understood and interpreted in the superstructure.
b. Does culture have revolutionary potentials (according to Benjamin)?
If so, describe these potentials. Does Benjamin's perspective differ from the
perspective of Adorno & Horkheimer in this regard?
Yes it has revolutionary potentials. For example Benjamin mentions the expression of revolutionary criticism of social condition presented in film. According to Adorno and Horkheimer it seems as though mass culture is a way of controlling the masses.
Yes it has revolutionary potentials. For example Benjamin mentions the expression of revolutionary criticism of social condition presented in film. According to Adorno and Horkheimer it seems as though mass culture is a way of controlling the masses.
c. Benjamin discusses how people perceive the world through the senses
and argues that this perception can be both naturally and historically
determined. What does this mean? Give some examples of historically determined
perception (from Benjamin's essay and/or other contexts).
Benjamin gives examples concerning different changes in art forms and art industries not only changed the actual art but also the way we look at art. I think this is applicable for all historical events – whether it’s related to art, science or religion etc – that has pushed us into a paradigm shift.
Benjamin gives examples concerning different changes in art forms and art industries not only changed the actual art but also the way we look at art. I think this is applicable for all historical events – whether it’s related to art, science or religion etc – that has pushed us into a paradigm shift.
d. What does Benjamin mean by the term "aura"? Are there
different kinds of aura in natural objects compared to art objects?
The aura in natural objects refers to the phenomenon of distance.
The aura in art objects is what constitutes its uniqueness. The way of understanding what gives a specific art object its aura may change over time, or to refer to previous question you might say that the perception of the aura can be historically determined. Though nature can be reproduced in the sense that we can present it through art as a picture or photograph, the aura of natural objects – being that of distance – cannot be reproduced, therefore I would say that there are diffent kinds of auras.
The aura in natural objects refers to the phenomenon of distance.
The aura in art objects is what constitutes its uniqueness. The way of understanding what gives a specific art object its aura may change over time, or to refer to previous question you might say that the perception of the aura can be historically determined. Though nature can be reproduced in the sense that we can present it through art as a picture or photograph, the aura of natural objects – being that of distance – cannot be reproduced, therefore I would say that there are diffent kinds of auras.
Interesting comment regarding myth and enlightenment as one and the same. I also consider myth and enlightenment to partake in a relationship of "one couldn't exist without the other". Looking through different blogs here I have seen many reviews and reflections where people have not fully grasped this concept, but I can see that you surely have given this some extra thought!
SvaraRaderaHowever, when it comes to your answer regarding superstructure and substructure I feel that there is some left to be said. For example how the different structures relate to each other in a Marxist point of view and how this in turn reflects upon economic and cultural changes in societies.