Since the late-1980s the rise of the Internet and the emergence of the Networked Society have led to a rapid and profound transformation of everyday life. Underpinning this revolution is the computer – a media technology that is capable of not only transforming itself, but almost every other machine and media process that humans have used throughout history.
In Philosophy of Media, Hassan and Sutherland explore the philosophical and technological trajectory of media from Classical Greece until today, casting a new and revealing light upon the global media condition. Key topics include:
- the mediation of politics
- the question of objectivity
- automata and the metaphor of the machine
- analogue and digital
- technological determinism.
Laid out in a clear and engaging format, Philosophy of Media provides an accessible and comprehensive exploration of the origins of the network society. It is essential reading for students of philosophy, media theory, politics, history and communication studies.
Table of Contents:
Introduction - In Medias Res
Chapter 1 In the beginning was the (written) word…
Chapter 2 The Mediation of Politics
Chapter 3 Encoding the Universe
Chapter 4 The Question of Objectivity
Chapter 5 Automata and the Metaphor of the Machine
Chapter 6 Form, Matter, and Simulation
Chapter 7 Analogue and Digital
Chapter 8 Technological Determinism: A social Science fiction?
Chapter 9 Global Media Society
Chapter 10 End of Modern Politics?
Chapter 11 Time, Technology and an Ethic of Responsibility
Conclusion - Bridging the Past and Future
About the Author :
Robert Hassan is Associate Professor and Head of the Media and Communications programme in the School of Culture and Communication at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Thomas Sutherland recently completed his PhD in the Media and Communications programme at the University of Melbourne, Australia where he also currently lectures.
Review :
"A much needed and highly savvy examination of the contribution of philosophy to our understanding of media, especially social media, with refreshing attention to ancient philosophers."
Paul Levinson, Fordham University, USA
"Hassan and Sutherland offer a careful and lucid introduction to media as considered by philosophers over the centuries. The breadth of scholarship in Philosophy of Media is impressive, while the book also offers up some exciting and provocative thoughts about today’s society."
William Brown, University of Roehampton, UK
