Last class we talked about information theory and how information can be conveyed without meaning. This makes me ponder the idea of whether or not information is actually significant. We also discussed how platforms like garage band take culturally significant and form them into playthings for whoever wants them. I think this is an interesting concept because many music pieces that are important in my culture are parodied in Garage Band. I did not really consider this until last class, but I do think it is sad to see certain beats with the cultural significance and accompanying traditions absent.

Last class we discussed the military industrial complex and how the telecommunications and computing world was derived from the late 19th and 20th centuries–specifically, the events of WWII and the Cold war. The point that having more individuality makes you less free was brought up. While this might be true, considering how the government keeps records, these are often things we have socially constructed. The idea of the social security number was created for this purpose itself, it doesn’t address the ways in which one’s personality or expression can be unique. I also believe that the creation of intelligence and surveillance agencies in the US are direct responses to the industrialization era ideas of radicalization. I do not, however, believe they are inherently anti-American. I think liberty is reliant on security, and though many US policies are increasingly overbearing, the institutions themselves are not to blame.

Last class we talked about realism vs. idealism. I consider myself an idealist; however, I think this binary is lacking in the complexity that exists in real life. While I believe there is a G-d, I do not think They have created ideals for worldly creations (e.g. cars, houses, etc). In this sense, human creations are only capable of being preferred over others, not ideal. I furthermore believe that the idea that religion (even monotheistic religion) is inherently tied to being idealistic. One can strive to be like G-d in a moral sense, aiming for their best understanding of what G-d wants, yet one can never truly know what this ideal is. I also believe that the existence of a G-d does not necessarily discount moral relativism.

Last class, we discussed Carr’s The Shallows and whether or not younger generations are impacted by the internet in a way that makes us less capable of concentrating. We also talked about whether or not literacy is a crutch and whether or not illiterate cultures are more advanced because they have the capability to communicate and think within themselves. Personally, I think both have advantages and disadvantages. I do not believe that having access to literature means you are not capable of thinking for yourself. In fact, I believe literature can increase one’s ability to think critically. A superior civilization might find a balance between the two, understanding that written words do not necessarily make them true or superior.

Last class, we discussed more about the Loudness Wars and whether or not a lack of dynamic range has impoverished music. I agree that music contains less natural talent than older forms of music. However, I also believe that newer music has found new ways to innovate and entertain. There are new forms of talent and skill being cultivated as new types of music emerge. What matters to me about music–all art ultimately–is that it inspires, entertains, or sends a message to an audience. Technical pieces of music do not bother me much if this music is being enjoyed. Therefore, I think some of the argument about the Loudness Wars is a moot point.