{ chrislip.com/matthew : blog }
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20 September 2006
{ Discourse, dialogue, and a Casio F-91W }
To get the wheels turning, let's start off with some Flusser:Vilém Flusser identifies two distinct forms of communication, discursive and dialogic, whose duality is best understood in context of their characteristics as linear and circular models, respectively. From this platform Flusser asserts that discourse is dynamic and progressive, having a clear direction or destination. Conversely, dialogue, a “circular information flow” which by definition returns to its origin with each rotation, is static. (Forgive the horribly abridged nature of this explanation. My impatience overcomes me.)
Even though this theory holds together quite well logically, an intuitive analysis sends up a few red flags. For example, if we apply these ideas to political models, Flusser seems to have everything backward. A discursive (linear, progressive) political system would be best described as totalitarian, whereas a dialogic (circular, static) system would look more or less like a pure democracy. See the problem? Think of it this way: even if the current resident of the White House seems ardently opposed to all things progressive—remember, we’re speaking theoretically here—can we expect to realize our dreams of historic social development by recruiting some hot young despot?
So, is the progression fostered by linear systems true or counterfeit? Can a circular system foster progress as well? If so, what would the differences be? Furthermore, how might principles of discourse and dialogue inform our understanding of cultural, spiritual, or even environmental models? For example, how might a dialogic approach to sustainability strengthen a designer’s position?
As much as I would love to dip my toes in the shallow end of this pool and then run straight back to my towel, I’ll be developing these thoughts into a relatively comprehensive senior thesis/project in the coming months. You can expect to hear more from me on this topic soon. (I know—I’m such a tease.)
In the mean time, and on a lighter note, here is a list of simple pleasures that I’ve recently afforded myself:
Casio digital watch with 24-hour clock ($12 from a street vendor in Harlem); cozy wool scarf to get me in the mood for autumn merriment ($15 from the Barney’s warehouse sale); massive desk consisting of a wooden door and two sawhorses ($60); cute two-bedroom hideout, space for my massive desk, and a neighbor named Leslie ($700 a month, shared with my brother).
[ posted by Matthew Chrislip at 02:59 :
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2 Comments:
I feel your intellectual excitement about some ideas which produces electrical storms in the brain.
I would share this difference between progressive people and growing people :
Progressive people keep behind past realities whereas growing people keep within those realities.
Growing is acumulating, progressing is forgetting.
I think it is not quite irrelevant to your message.
that is rediculous.
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