general semantics review on The Truman Show
In our second and third modules we challenge and complicate some of General Semantics’ basic assumptions about language, thought, and communication. McLuhan told us that mediums shape their messages; Lippmann taught us about the pervasive "fictions" we are surrounded by, called "pseudo-environments"; Burke schooled us in the ways our occupations can "determine" how we perceive and understand the world linguistically; Rorty drove home the point that truth can only be found in vocabularies, and so on.
In this second paper we will exercise our critical handling of these new ideas. Your task is to watch the now-classic film, "The Truman Show," and describe the operations of *four* of the following new ideas:
1. McLuhan: "It is the medium that shapes and controls the scale and form of human association and action"
2. Lippmann: "For the pseudo-environment is a hybrid compounded of ‘human nature’ and ‘conditions’"
3. Burke: "Proverbs are strategies for dealing with situations"
4. Rorty: "The world is out there, but descriptions of the world are not. Only descriptions of the world can be true or false"
5. Burke: "Even if any given terminology is a reflection of reality, by its very nature as a terminology it must be a selection of reality; and to this extent it must function also as a deflection of reality"
6. Burke: Occupational psychosis "names this secondary aspect of interest." (Provide an example of this ‘secondary aspect’)
Feel free to bring in (but not substitute) other ideas within these readings, in addition to what I have listed here, if it serves your purpose. But mostly I’m interested in seeing how well we can identify, describe, and assess how these ideas are featured in the film. Thus please provide one good example to support each of the *four* ideas you select from the above list. Then, please provide thoughtful explanations of *how* those ideas are featured in the film. We’re interested in more than just locating these ideas, like easter eggs; we’re interested in understanding how they are operating in this narrative that is all about deception, fiction, and the power of false representations. So please be as descriptive and analytic as possible.
Whereas the first paper was mostly an itemized list of GS "infractions," here you are writing a proper essay; so please be mindful of things like introduction, transitions, and conclusion. Be sure to properly cite all sources you use, and include a bibliography (no "outside" research is required, but it is also not forbidden). Be very mindful about spelling and grammar and style and tone.
As before the papers are 4-5 pages, exclusive of bibliography; MLA style; double-spaced, 12-point font, 1 inch margins; no title page necessary.
If anyone is unable to access the film for free, please let me know and we’ll get you access.
Have fun!
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
