Test on Introduction to Media Archaeology

Question 1: Functionaries, regardless of their position, are the ultimate holders of power and decision-making centers within the broadcasting programs, freely prescribing actions to society.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that it is a mistake to consider functionaries, no matter how 'high' their position, as holders of power or decision-making centers. Their choices are prescribed by the automatically self-sustaining structure of the broadcasting program, not by themselves or by hidden higher centers.

Question 2: According to the study materials, why is the discovery that there is 'no one and nothing' at the center of contemporary society unpleasant for cultural criticism?

A. Because cultural criticism aims to fight against something concrete, like hidden figures or malicious eminences.

B. Because it reveals that critical analysis is futile and cultural change is impossible.

C. Because it forces critics to abandon their traditional methods and search for manipulators within the transmitters.

D. Because it means that cultural criticism must now focus on changing 'how' things are, rather than 'what' they are.

Explanation: The text states: 'Pro kulturní kritiku je to odhalení nepříjemné. Kritizuje-li se kultura, aby se změnila, chce se přece bojovat proti něčemu (např. temným postavám v pozadí nebo šedým eminencím se zlými úmysly, které se mají odhalit). Začneme-li však odhalovat současnou společnost, pak zjistíme, že není nikdo ani nic, proti čemu bychom mohli bojovat.' It further clarifies that 'Porazit se má totiž nikoli nějaké něco, nýbrž nějaké jak. Nikoli lidé a věci, nýbrž stavy věcí. Nikoli obrazy a za nimi skryté lidské zájmy, nýbrž schéma zapojení.' This means critics traditionally seek concrete adversaries (option 0) but now must confront the 'how' or the 'state of things' (option 3).

Question 3: The current automation revolution ensures that the increasing leisure time will be widely understood and celebrated as a return to the true essence of 'slavit'.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The text states that 'However, both the economic and political views of replacing work with leisure distract from the real problem: that leisure time is a declining consequence of our inability to celebrate.' (Avšak jak ekonomický, tak politický pohled na vytěšování práce volnou chvílí svádí od skutečného problému: že totiž volná chvíle je úpadkovým důsledkem toho, že nejsme schopni slavit.) It also mentions that the problem of inactivity and unemployment is viewed as an economic problem from an economic perspective, and as a political problem from an activity perspective, rather than an opportunity to celebrate.

Question 4: According to the study materials, how did ancient Greeks and Jews view 'zahálka' (idleness) in contrast to its modern perception, particularly concerning its relationship with philosophical purity?

A. They regarded 'zahálka' as a detrimental state that leads to moral decay and social stagnation, similar to the modern pejorative view.

B. For ancient Greeks, 'purposelessness' in 'zahálka' was synonymous with 'purity' and essential for philosophical contemplation, while ancient Jews viewed the Sabbath as a time for 'purposelessly' pondering sacred texts.

C. They saw 'zahálka' primarily as an opportunity for economic planning and efficient resource allocation, contrasting with both modern disdain and philosophical purity.

D. Both traditions considered 'zahálka' a period for practical skills development and community service, rather than philosophical or spiritual reflection.

Explanation: The text states that modern use of 'zahálka' (idleness) is disdainful, implying 'uselessness' or 'purposelessness.' However, ancient Greeks understood 'purposeless' as synonymous with 'pure,' believing that philosophy occurred when one 'purposelessly' pondered. Similarly, ancient Jews deemed the Sabbath sacred to 'purposelessly' deliberate over sacred texts, highlighting 'uselessness' as an expression of rising above purposeful constraints for both pre-bourgeois traditions.

Question 5: Navzdory původní neschopnosti rozpoznat souvislosti, obě, fotografie i telegrafie, jsou založeny na programování bodových prvků.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Fotoaparát i telegrafní aparát spočívají na programování bodových prvků, které se šifrují do symbolů, i když jejich vynálezci zpočátku nerozpoznali, že jsou postaveny podle stejného principu a mohou být propojeny. Tato skutečnost nebyla rozpoznána, protože telegraf byl považován za nový druh písma, nikoli za systém složený z bodů jako fotografie.