Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2017, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (5): 201-208.

• Studies in Western Literary Theory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Prosthesis of Speed, Aesthetics of Disappearance and Logistics of Perception: Paul Virilio's Discussions of Cinema

Zheng Xing   

  1. School of Humanities, Tongji University Language and Literature Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
  • Online:2017-09-25 Published:2018-10-17
  • About author:Zheng Xing, is a Ph.D. candidate at the School of Humanities, Tongji University. He is also under double PhD supervision by Language and Literature Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel. His research interests mainly cover French Theory and modern Chinese literature.

Abstract: By integrating scatted discussions of Paul Virilio, this paper will give a comprehensive mapping of his thought on cinema and reveal its inner logic. Virilio's discussions on cinema are based on his "Dromology" theory. He points out that cinema is a kind of Prosthesis of Speed. It mimics an experience of perception which is peculiar to children, and has made it reborn in the adults. In this context, a new aesthetics related to modern art and media has emerged, which is named "Aesthetics of Disappearance" by Virilio. This new aesthetics has reshaped the perception in modern society in all dimensions, the typical performance of which has been presented in the battlefield. It has been named by Virilio as "Logistics of Perception".

Key words: Virilio, cinema, aesthetics of disappearance, logistics of perception