Theologia of transparent objects

Scott, Karen E.A. (2014). Theologia of transparent objects. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

The cultural philosopher Jean Baudrillard in his work Le Système Des Objets looked at the meanings of the object per se and came to the conclusion that we, ‘and objects are indeed bound together in a collusion in which the objects take on a certain density, an emotional value – what might be called a ‘presence’.’ (Baudrillard, J. 2005, p.14) His study of the meanings, therefore the language of objects, draws attention to the fact that they are always in movement away from our attempts to project meaning onto them, that they have a dimension which transcends their function for us and that is their technology, from whence they were made.
I argue that particularly in the case of transparent objects there is a further ‘transcendence’, that of the spiritual, or theological, and look at the relationship between meaning and language in response to such a ‘presence’. This thesis is a systemic journey on the meanings and ‘dialogue’ of transparent objects, utilising case studies of selected objects and a self-reflexive research method, with the inclusion of autobiographical material. What is commonly thought of as the ‘transparent’ is examined as locus of dynamics of the self, alongside the ‘subtle’ transparency of the iconic function. I question what it is that transparent objects can tell us about our shared reality, through our apprehension of them and their particular qualities, what dialogues they bring forth, how do they in particular function as ‘earth angels’ (McNiff, 1995) and what they can bring, channel or enable.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):