Simulations 4/29

Reading Summary

This reading discusses simulations, and how they are no longer that of a “territory, a referential being, or a substance. It is the generation by models of a real without origin or reality: a hyperreal.” It is essentially stating that reality no longer precedes the simulation but rather, the simulation precedes reality. Baudrillard continues by making the claim that the real itself has been replaced by signs of the real, “that is, an operation to deter every real process by its operational double,” which helps in explaining and is consistent with his idea that “human experience is of a simulation of reality.”

Outside Connection

The Truman Show is a fictional movie that tells the story of a man whose life serves as the content for a world renowned television show that began at the moment of his birth. The show has broadcast non stop since then, following every aspect and catching each moment of his life. The catch is that he has no knowledge of any of it, as the producers of the show created the world in which he resides, bringing in actors to play his neighbors, co-workers, boss and even his wife. Essentially, they are simulating reality for Truman.

Reading Connection

The Truman Show is a simulation, and much like Baudrillard describes in the reading, rather than reality preceding the simulation, the simulation precedes reality. All of Truman’s actions, reality, are the result of previous interactions he has had with the actors, simulation, that play the roles of his neighbors, co-workers and his wife. The movie is also a fair representation of the idea that the real itself has been replace by ideas of the real, implying that “human experience is of a simulation of reality.”