Natural Death in Baudrillard

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Natural Death in Baudrillard by Johannes Lenhard, GRIN Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Johannes Lenhard ISBN: 9783656184478
Publisher: GRIN Publishing Publication: May 7, 2012
Imprint: GRIN Publishing Language: English
Author: Johannes Lenhard
ISBN: 9783656184478
Publisher: GRIN Publishing
Publication: May 7, 2012
Imprint: GRIN Publishing
Language: English

Essay from the year 2012 in the subject Sociology - Classics and Theoretical Directions, grade: 2:1, London School of Economics, language: English, abstract: According to Baudrillard, the contemporary 'value system' is based on binary oppositions. The most vital of those are good and evil, man and machine and crucially important life and death. In our society, death is increasingly separated from life in stark contrast to what is still to be found in the 'primitive cultures'. Without being able to explain the alternative system - symbolic exchange - in its complexity, it is important to note its contrasting idea of 'a circular form, a circuit, reversibility' (Baudrillard, 2003: 16ff). In a symbolic system associated but not limited to 'primitives', death is not negativity, not endpoint but rather charged with symbolic meaning as part of a constant exchange procedure, always part of life. For us, death is 'abnormal' and we are constantly striving to extinguish it, make it 'extraterritorial' (Baudrillard, 1993: 126, 182) (e.g. in hospitals, out-of-town cemeteries, palliative clinics). In the following paragraphs, the essay will suggest a reading of Baudrillard's contrasting notion of 'natural death' that he claims to be 'everyone's right and duty'. In the first part, we give a close reading of Baudrillard's notion of natural death - without a primarily critical reflection. What will be suggested is that progress creates both the possibility for a natural, i.e. designed, death and its imperative. The critical reflection of part two will try to qualify Baudrillard's statements with a general critique of his ironic style and advance arguments with regards to content: How is it possible to close of individuality? Is it really a right for 'everyone'? Before this critical account can be appreciated, however, the notion of 'natural death' shall be explained in the following.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Essay from the year 2012 in the subject Sociology - Classics and Theoretical Directions, grade: 2:1, London School of Economics, language: English, abstract: According to Baudrillard, the contemporary 'value system' is based on binary oppositions. The most vital of those are good and evil, man and machine and crucially important life and death. In our society, death is increasingly separated from life in stark contrast to what is still to be found in the 'primitive cultures'. Without being able to explain the alternative system - symbolic exchange - in its complexity, it is important to note its contrasting idea of 'a circular form, a circuit, reversibility' (Baudrillard, 2003: 16ff). In a symbolic system associated but not limited to 'primitives', death is not negativity, not endpoint but rather charged with symbolic meaning as part of a constant exchange procedure, always part of life. For us, death is 'abnormal' and we are constantly striving to extinguish it, make it 'extraterritorial' (Baudrillard, 1993: 126, 182) (e.g. in hospitals, out-of-town cemeteries, palliative clinics). In the following paragraphs, the essay will suggest a reading of Baudrillard's contrasting notion of 'natural death' that he claims to be 'everyone's right and duty'. In the first part, we give a close reading of Baudrillard's notion of natural death - without a primarily critical reflection. What will be suggested is that progress creates both the possibility for a natural, i.e. designed, death and its imperative. The critical reflection of part two will try to qualify Baudrillard's statements with a general critique of his ironic style and advance arguments with regards to content: How is it possible to close of individuality? Is it really a right for 'everyone'? Before this critical account can be appreciated, however, the notion of 'natural death' shall be explained in the following.

More books from GRIN Publishing

Cover of the book Gothic Fiction and 'The Turn of The Screw' by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book The Blondes Who Knew Too Much - The Hitchcock Women during the Monroe Era. by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book Race, Racism and Violence in Ann Petry's 'The Witness' by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book The Journey to Self-Awareness in Levinas' Philosophy and the Irish National Tale by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book Understanding Interculturalism and Multiculturalism for the Successful Integration of Immigrants by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book A climate for change by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book Innovation Management: The Leadership Role of the CEO by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book Miscarriages in the British legal system. 'The Guildford Four' and 'The Birmingham Six' by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book Callaway Business Case Study by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book Gender issues in the Pillow Book and the Essays in Idleness by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book A better life for child labourers and their families in Egypt by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book Seducing the Reader by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book A Contrastive Analysis of Politeness by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book Supply Chain Performance Measurement & E-Business Supply Chain Management: Including a Practical Excursus on the Intel Case by Johannes Lenhard
Cover of the book The use of inanimate subjects with the get-passive: A WebCorp study by Johannes Lenhard
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy