Beyond Mimesis: Aesthetic Experience in Uncanny Valleys

Beyond Mimesis explores the theory of mimesis and alterity in performance philosophy, using the "uncanny valley" model to distinguish between visual media and real life. It suggests that there is a fundamental incommensurability between people and artificial beings that cannot be ignored, and that all-too realistic representations and fictional encounters with artificial beings do not transgress certain limits. Contributions by Elena Dorfman, Jörg Sternagel, Dieter Mersch, Allison de Fren, Nadja Ben Khelifa, James Tobias, Grant Palmer, Stephan Günzel, Nicole Ku?uleinapuananioliko?awapuhimelemeleolani Furtado, Misha Choudhry and a conversation between Carolin Bebek, Simon Makhali, and Anna Suchard.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Beyond Mimesis: A Media-Philosophical Exploration of Alterity and Performance Philosophy
Beyond Mimesis is a groundbreaking work that contributes to the theory of mimesis and alterity in performance philosophy, while also stimulating and inspiring future inquiries at the intersection of media and art with philosophy. It brings together a diverse range of philosophical and artistic thinkers to develop a precise framework that goes beyond mimesis in aesthetic experiences in uncanny valleys. The chapters explore the possibility of transferring intersubjective acts of relating defined by alterity, responsivity, or witness and trust to artificial beings without remainder. The proposed framework employs a theoretical model known as the "uncanny valley," which was introduced by Japanese roboticist Masahiro Mori in 1970. According to Mori, artificial beings or animated dolls become more eerie to us the more "humanlike" they appear. The model's utility lies in distinguishing between visual media and real life, suggesting that there is a fundamental incommensurability between people and artificial beings that cannot be ignored. This necessitates that all-too realistic representations as well as fictional encounters with artificial beings do not transgress certain limits. Mori argues that it is an ethical imperative of their design that artificial beings evidence a certain degree of dissimilarity with people. This notion is particularly applicable to artistic projects in which animated dolls or robots make explicit their "doll-ness" or "robot-ness" and thus inscribe a moment of reflexivity into the relations they establish.

Beyond Mimesis features contributions by Elena Dorfman, Jörg Sternagel, Dieter Mersch, Allison de Fren, Nadja Ben Khelifa, James Tobias, Grant Palmer, Stephan Günzel, Nicole Ku?. The book delves into the complexities of intersubjective acts of relating in the context of artificial beings, exploring the ethical implications of their design and the potential for creating meaningful connections with them. It challenges the notion of mimesis as a one-way process of imitation and suggests that there is a deeper level of engagement and interaction that can be achieved through the use of media and art.

One of the key themes of Beyond Mimesis is the concept of alterity. Alterity refers to the recognition of the otherness of the other, and it plays a crucial role in the theory of mimesis. The book argues that alterity is not simply a matter of difference but also of connection and intimacy. It suggests that the ability to relate to others in a meaningful way is essential to our human experience and that artificial beings can play a role in facilitating this connection.

The book explores the various ways in which alterity can be expressed in the context of performance philosophy. It discusses the role of the performer in creating a sense of alterity, the ways in which the audience interacts with the performer, and the ways in which the performance itself can be interpreted as a form of alterity. It also examines the ethical implications of creating and performing alterity, particularly in the context of social and political issues.

One of the most significant contributions of Beyond Mimesis is its exploration of the "uncanny valley." The uncanny valley is a term coined by Masahiro Mori to describe the phenomenon of artificial beings that appear almost humanlike but are nonetheless unsettling and eerie. The book argues that the uncanny valley is a fundamental aspect of the human-machine relationship and that it can be used to explore the ethical implications of our interactions with artificial beings.

The book explores the various ways in which the uncanny valley can be used in performance philosophy. It discusses the use of artificial beings in horror films, video games, and other forms of entertainment, as well as the use of artificial beings in therapeutic settings. It also examines the ethical implications of using artificial beings in these contexts, particularly in the context of human-machine relationships.

Beyond Mimesis also explores the role of media and art in shaping our understanding of alterity and the human-machine relationship. It argues that media and art can be used to create a sense of alterity and intimacy, as well as to challenge our assumptions about the nature of reality. It discusses the use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and other forms of media to create immersive experiences that can facilitate a deeper understanding of the human-machine relationship.

In conclusion, Beyond Mimesis is a groundbreaking work that contributes to the theory of mimesis and alterity in performance philosophy, while also stimulating and inspiring future inquiries at the intersection of media and art with philosophy. It brings together a diverse range of philosophical and artistic thinkers to develop a precise framework that goes beyond mimesis in aesthetic experiences in uncanny valleys. The book explores the various ways in which alterity can be expressed in the context of performance philosophy, the ethical implications of creating and performing alterity, and the role of media and art in shaping our understanding of alterity and the human-machine relationship. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of media, art, and philosophy.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 240 x 157 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538171790