Aesthetics, Psyche and Media: A Manifold of Mimesis in the Age of Simulation

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Published: Dec 31, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/cjp.31690
Keywords:
digitalization media narcissism phenomenological psychopatology education variation
Tanja Todorović
University of Novi Sad, Serbia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2481-7352
Luka Janeš
University of Zagreb, Croatia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8279-6414
Vanja Novaković
Independent scholar, Serbia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4193-4024
Abstract

Within a dialogue with various authors, it seems that there can’t be just one universal reflection that allows us to comprehend the rising dynamism of new media. For example, Baudrillard declared the end of the traditional way of thinking about contemporary media and showed their role in the process of the endless simulation of truth. It has been shown that the contemporary world of media can be considered in dialogue with the philosophical tradition, and be evaluated in the phenomenological psychopathology (Fuchs) evaluation horizon. In this consideration, the notion of variation (Manovich), plays a key role in replacing the traditionally understood notion of mimesis. Artistic practice is precisely the main exemplar that shows the influence of new media on identity construction (simulated versions of personal identity), as well as the relationship between the artistic original and the copy. Although new digital media allows maintenance of desired (identity) simulations, its great potential is evident in enabling subjects to express their individuality, as well as in searching for new ways to improve their quality of life. This context opens a new problem, namely the one of avatar – a selected photo or image that defines the identity of entities present in the fields of the virtual agora (Baudrillard) and private chat rooms of the social media. Avatar`s function is being problematized by asking whether they represent the reduction and closure of the width of a person's beingness within the set image, or whether they facilitate and stimulate its realization by depriving them of the stress and discomfort that is caused by physical confrontation and intercourse with other persons in the living space. The given issue inevitably points to the problem of the general narcissism of our culture (Lasch), calling upon philosophical orientation to enter the discussion.

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Author Biographies
Tanja Todorović, University of Novi Sad, Serbia

In year 2015 finished her bachelor studies with highest grade and graduated on the topic Husserl’s notion of Crisis on Philosophy Department at University of Novi Sad. Following year started working at this Department as Teaching Researcher. In year 2017 finished her Master degree and enrolled PhD studies at the same Department which still attends. Currently she is working as Teaching Assistant at Philosophy Department in Novi Sad and teaches Phenomenology, Ethics, Aesthetics, Low Philosophy and Philosophy of Economics. These subjects are also her main fields of interests. Currently she is doing research on Husserl’s notion of Phantasy which should be her topic on final PhD exam. Even since she was a student she was occupied with additional activities. She won several awards such as Best Student Award of Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Novi Sad and Best Philosophy Student Award from Endowment Fund of Matica Srpska. She was also user of several scholarships such as Scholarships from the Fund for Gifted Students and Young Scientists and Artists by University of Novi Sad and Scholarship from the Fund for Young Talents of the Republic of Serbia – Dositej. Since she was student she has interest in student politics so during the bachelor’s studies she was a member and president of the Student Parliament at Faculty of Philosophy. In addition, during the ongoing activities of Parliament she led oratory club of Faculty of Philosophy, she volunteered at the Festival of Science and other student events. She completed the project writing course in front of EU funds. She has published several papers within national and international significance, also transcriptions and translations of momentous texts. She speaks four languages: native Serbian, excellent English, excellent Spanish and German with basic communication skills.

Luka Janeš, University of Zagreb, Croatia

In 2016 graduated in philosophy (scientific field) at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, obtaining a master's degree in philosophy. In the same year started his postgraduate doctoral course of philosophy at the same Faculty. Successfully defended his doctoral dissertation Ekoetika Aldo Leopold in the perspective of integrative bioethics (Aldo Leopold`s Ecoethics in the Perspective of Integrative Bioethics. (mentor: Prof. Hrvoje Jurić, PhD).

From 2017 do 2021 has been employed as an expert associate at the University Center for Integrative Bioethics, University of Zagreb. He is an associate of the Scientific Center of Excellence for Integrative Bioethics and the head of its Scientific Research Committee for Bioethics and Psyche.

He has exhibited at more than fifty international and domestic scientific conferences and also participated in numerous international scientific and professional workshops. Special research interest in bioethics, phenomenology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of psychiatry.

Vanja Novaković, Independent scholar, Serbia

Vanja Novaković completed her undergraduate (2018) and master's studies (2020) at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad at the Department of New Art Media. She was an intern in the position of Curator of Design at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Vojvodina (2020/2021). In 2021 she passed the state exam for a curator.

She organized seven solo exhibitions and participated in many group exhibitions and projects in Serbia, Europe (Austria, France, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, Germany), and the USA. Member of the Union of Associations of Fine Artists of Vojvodina. 

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