Plato's Allegory of the Cave.
Plato compares true knowledge to sunlight. He explained in his story that us humans are like prisoners in a cave, who cannot see outside of the cave. The light that we think we can see is actually reflected light. We need philosopher teachers who can guide us in understanding the true light, or the truth. He advocated there is a universal truth in the world, and one can attain an understanding of this truth through rational thinking and guidance from wise philosopher-teachers.
In reflecting about Plato's cave, I wonder what he would think about modern technologies, which merge or blend what is real and what is not real.
The reflected light that casts shadows in his story is a representation of the truth, the true light. How does one determine what is truth in this age of virtual reality and computer assisted design?
A case in point is the movie "Avatar". This movie heavily uses computer graphics throughout the movie. The challenge is the computer graphics are so photo-realistic that it is difficult to differentiate what is real and what is computer generated. Unlike movies of the past where computer graphics were easily identifiable, modern movies now merge or blend the real and the simulated. Computer enhanced video can do things like make actors look taller, stronger, or younger than they really are.
This gives movie makers the ability to create representations of a reality that does not exist. Could this technology also be used by news services? government propaganda? advertisers? How will this affect our ability to "trust" video footage as reliable representations of real events and people?
This issue was evident during the recent Olympic Games in China. The televised broadcast of the opening ceremonies were digitally enhanced with artificial fireworks. Was this an example of artistic use of technology, or a misrepresentation of the truth?
How are educators and parents teaching students the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate and interpret media? When does critical thinking turn into cynicism? Should educators focus more on direct physical experiences and less on digital/virtual experiences?
I look forward to examining these types of issues in this course.
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You make some astute observations and raise important questions, Roland. I had similar thoughts about the role of virtual environments like Second Life. Some people get so immersed in them that it is their reality. While it allows opportunity - such as taking part in activities you normally could not, it can lead to impoverished social skills and withdrawing from society. The points about determining what is real or not is important too, we have seen instances of this with 'photoshoping' images and fake web sites already. With technology like that in Avatar (although I have yet to see the movie myself), there is potential for recreating reality, as you have pointed out. The role of critical thinking and media literacy grows in importance, yet you raise an important question - will it get to the point where we can't trust anything we see or hear?
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff, Roland. At first, I was struck by the statement "representations of a reality that does not exist." Can there be such a thing, a reality that does not exist? Then, you moved to Avatar and the possibility of fiction being fed to people as fact. The China Olympics example was perfect. Also, the question of trust does become enormous, and cynicism can no doubt result. Teaching for truth, critically evaluating information... it has to be a central focus in our educational practice. When I think of luring on the internet... yuk. Technology has its pluses, but sometimes the manipulations that can occur suggest that the physical - the actual - can be better. We need to know where to draw the line with technology.
ReplyDeleteHow does one determine what is truth in this age of virtual reality and computer assisted design? A question for the ages! Baudrillard has an interesting discussion of how reality and meaning have been replaced with signs and symbols, or simulacra. He asserts the contemporary media (including the Internet), exchange value, capitalism, urbanization and ideology contribute to this manifestation of reality. If simulacra constitute our new reality, finding the truth might be as simple as filtering through its many layers. However, there are those who are prepared to accept any reality, be it actual or perceived, as the truth.
ReplyDeleteGreat questions Roland. Unfortunately, they don't come with easy answers. It is becoming even more important to point out to our students what may or may not be reality and the definite need to investigate various sources of information
ReplyDeletebefore ingesting what they are saying as the truth.
Julye, great point - '...point out to our students what may or may not be reality.' But that is if we ourselves can differentiate the real from the less real (not unreal). Case in point, Jessica Yellin (hologram) during election night, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thOxW19vsTg
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