About
Jean Baudrillard was a French philosopher and sociologist born in Reims in 1929. After studying German, he taught German literature before turning to sociology. He is best known for his theories of hyperreality and simulacra, which argue that simulations and copies have replaced authentic reality in postmodern society. His major works include The System of Objects, Simulacra and Simulation, and The Consumer Society. He was also a photographer. He died in Paris in 2007.
* 1929-07-27 — † 2007-03-06
Major works
- Le Système des objets (1968)essay
- La Société de consommation (1970)essay
- L'Échange symbolique et la mort (1976)essay
- Simulacres et simulation (1981)essay
- La Guerre du Golfe n'a pas eu lieu (1991)essay
Key milestones
- 1966Begins teaching sociology at the University of Paris X Nanterre.
- 1987Retires from university teaching.
- 1999His concept of the simulacrum is explicitly referenced in the film The Matrix.
Themes
Simulacra and simulationHyperrealityConsumer societyPostmodernismCritique of media
Sources: seop.illc.uva.nl · britannica.com