¶ … Robert Coover analyses hypertext in a philosophical, political, and aesthetical context. The printed word, according the author, is not so much in danger of extinction as it is being threatened by new media. Because of the flexibility inherent in hypertext and multi-media, the written word takes on a new form, one that transcends the linearity of traditional print media. For example, whenever we read a novel or an article in a magazine, the text flows from one sentence to another, pulling the reader from start to finish along predictable, pre-defined lines. There are no tangents except for those that exist within the reader's imagination. Words flow with continuity; in fiction, plot and character are developed. Furthermore, in traditional print media, the author is in full control of the narrative; when working in hypertext, the reader assumes the driver's seat and can alter the flow of events, the significance of certain characters, the basic tone and structure of the novel. Basically, Coover asserts that hypertext questions and threatens the fundamental principles of the traditional novel. In his article, Coover focuses on the novel as opposed to non-fiction hypertext because of the particularly meaningful changes that could occur especially in that realm. Hypertext has become for many writers a means to transcend the "tyranny of the line," and the "patriarchal, colonial, canonical, proprietary, hierarchical, and authoritarian values of the past," (1). While Coover's thesis is admirable in its scope and creativity, the title of the piece is misleading because hypertext does not presage the "end of books," but merely offers a new, fun, and interactive alternative to traditional print. Coover acknowledges that hypertext represents "the next major shift in information technology after the development of the printed book," one that "promises (or threatens) to produce effects on our culture," (23). This is true; the advent of hypertext has transformed the way in which people read...
Clicking on links, however, does not necessarily ruin the flow of text or the continuity expected of a piece of writing. Unless the reader deliberately wanders off on a tangent, any piece of fiction printed online must contain the basic elements of a story: plot, narrative flow, and character development. Moreover, writers who use hypertext as their chosen media do not sacrifice personal style or tone when they create. Hypertext does not, as Coover suggests, jeopardize traditional narrative elements. The reason why the novel works as an integral piece of fiction is because it follows the logic that the human brain covets. Even epic poetry contains a similar logical flow. In fact, some poets and authors purposely tamper with or transcend linearity and logic in their writing in print. William Faulkner is but one example of a plethora of novelists that composed works with non-linear narratives. Coover incorrectly assumes that hypertext is the only means by which fiction writers can attain "freedom from the tyranny of the line," (23).
However, when it comes to health-related issues, I do not believe that subjective personal impressions and feelings can influence one's ethical decision-making. The evidence is clear that smoking is harmful to the smoker, and also to the person who inhales second-hand smoke. Additionally, we were in my parents' home. I know that they have hard and fast rules about smoking on their property. My friend took a different point-of-view: he acquiesced
Philosophical Legal Theory: Analyzing the Rhetoric in Civil Rights Speeches by King and Wallace While Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) is remembered as a hero in the Civil Rights struggle, it is important to keep in mind that, during his time period, he was vilified by many who claimed that his efforts to secure equality for African-Americans were somehow unnatural. One of his most vocal opponents was George Wallace (Wallace), the
His social contract put forward the notion that citizens at some point give their consent to live under a "certain political structure" and that requires a social contract. John Locke is often seen as the "…philosopher of the American Revolution," Heineman explains. Locke's view was that in the early period of human existence, mankind lived in a state of nature, but though it was reasonably pleasant, there were problems. And
In fact, tolerance often stands in the way of engagement. Tolerance does not require us to attempt to understand one another or to know anything about one another. Sometimes tolerance may be all that can be expected. It is a step forward from active hostility, but it is a long way from pluralism" (Eck 1993). Achieving true dialogue and understanding, of course, is easier said than done. Also, teachers must
Philosophical Approaches The question of ethics, what the right thing to do vs. The wrong thing, can be a difficult one. There are occasions where right and wrong are black and white distinctions. The right thing to do is easy discernable, though it may not be the easiest things to do. However, this is the rare occasion. More often than not trying to determine right and wrong in a given situation
Philosophical Analysis of Animal-Human Interactions Both animal rights and ecocentrism discourage hunting, although for different reasons. Thesis: Animal rights philosophy views hunting from a moral perspective, as the unnecessary infliction of suffering on sentient beings, no less immoral than the persecution of human beings. Ecocentrism views hunting from a perspective of self-interest, as an activity with unforeseeable consequences which could threaten the ability of many life-forms to sustain themselves on planet
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now