Walter Benjamin "Theses on the Philosophy of History"

“The true picture of the past flits by. The past can be seized only as an imagination which flashes up at the instant when it can be recognized and is never seen again. “The truth will not run away from us” “

What the writer is saying here is that the past will always be there but it can only stay relevant if it is recognized, if it is not recognized then it is like it never happened. Holidays such as Christmas and thanksgiving would fail to be relevant if they aren’t celebrated on a yearly basis as they are here in the United States. Just like things can be remembered, they can be forgotten as many people would try to erase bad experiences in life by just never discussing them or acting like they never happened. I chose this quote because I can relate to it; there are some past experiences that I hold dearly with me and celebrate yearly while they are some that I chose to completely ignore.

Walter Benjamin: "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

"Even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be. This unique existence of the work of art determined the history to which it was subject throughout the time of its existence"

What this quote means is that no matter how perfect a reproduction of a work of art it will always just be that; a reproduction and not the real thing. It’s impossible for it to have the “aura” it had when it first happened. I chose this quote because it is the very same reason why I love to attend live sporting events, to capture these memories at its rarest form, to be able to say “I was there when (certain event) happened”.

1.      What is the difference between cult value and exhibition value in art? How does Benjamin see these values in relation to politics?

Cult value refers to its status in magic and rituals; while exhibition value refers to the content or the "information" contained within the piece, literally by showing or exhibiting it.

2. What is the difference between Erfahrung and Erlebnisse? How does it relate to art?

Erfahrung is Integrated experience, it is a fuller and more developed "mode" of experience as its name implies than isolated experience. It occurs by understanding the historical origins of objects that you come into contact with, while Erlebnisse (isolated experience) is the opposite--objects are encountered in isolation and usually seem as hostile.  Erfahrung establishes a continuity or connection between experiences, while Erlebnisse sees no connection between one experience and another.

3. Explain some of the positive and negative effects of the destruction of the "aura" in art.

A negative effect of the destruction of the aura in art is that once an art is reproducible it loses its uniqueness and quality, it changes tradition.

While a positive effect of the destruction of the aura in art is that it allows us to approach art in a more realistic way, the destruction of the aura allows people to see "the universal equality of things." Reproduction is then seen as a positive development even though it does create the possibility for art to become a mass produced commodity for the first time and also allows new political forces like fascism to use it as well.

4. How would you judge or evaluate the impact of forms of mass culture like film in contemporary life? Have they changed human perception? Are they are important part of creating political consciousness in the public?

Forms of mass culture like film had a huge impact on contemporary life, mass culture are important agents of socialization, mediators of political reality, and should be seen as major institutions of contemporary societies with a different economic, political, cultural and social effects. I think mass culture has in fact changed human perception. And it is a very important part of creating political consciousness in the public as mass media allows the public to see what is going on.

On Pain

“Only he who feels secure in immediate proximity to death finds himself in the highest state of security”

What Junger is saying here is that the person who comes to accept death and is not afraid of dying has reached the highest point of security one can reach. I choose this quote because it reminds me of my grandfather and his sense of security at the time he passed away. It was like he came to accept that he was going to pass away and he wasn’t afraid.

1.      How would you judge Jünger's thesis that pain is the central experience of life?

I don’t agree with Junger’s thesis that pain is the central experience of life. I think it’s the opposite, joy is the central experience of life and what every person in life looks for but joy wouldn’t feel so good if it wasn’t for pain.

2.      What does "post-liberal" refer to and how does it relate to the idea of progress?

Post-liberal refers to the time period after liberalism, it relates to the idea of progress because after this time period “individuals are greeted by a wealth of conveniences, such as the path paved for education and a career choice of preference, the free market of labor, the contractual character of almost all social ties, and the unrestricted freedom of movement.”  

3. Why is photography the "evil eye" according to Jünger?

According to Junger photography is the “evil eye” because it “seems to offer the worker type a means to hunt down the individual as an opponent no longer capable of defending his ways – the private sphere is no match for photography. It is also easier to change one’s attitude than one’s face. The practice of placing photographs of people murdered in political clashes on posters us if immense maliciousness.”

4. What is the relationship between specialized education and the "worker type."

Specialized education is what leads to the “worker type”. People go to school and study one specific type of subject that leads them to master that subject that leads to them getting a job and working in the same field of the subject.

5. How does submission to totalitarian authorities protect an individual from pain?

Submission to totalitarian authorities protects an individual from pain because they come to except what’s going on and stop being against it which would just result in pain and be a struggle.