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The Shallows - Chptrs 2-3 (Carr, Nicholas) (Main Ideas (Historical…
The Shallows - Chptrs 2-3 (Carr, Nicholas)
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Quote, Paraphrase, Summarize
"Because language is, for human beings, the primary vessel of conscious thought, particularly higher forms of thought, the technologies that restructure language tend to exert the strongest influence over our intellectual lives." (Carr pp50-51)
Summary
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In the section on language, Carr looks at the development of written language and its impact on the brain and subsequently on civilization. He cites research that demonstrates that the brains of those who use a phonetic alphabet are wired differently than those who use logographic symbols. This research shows that "considerably" less of the brain is activated in reading words formed from phonetic letters. Through recounting Plato's tale in Phaedrus, Carr lays out the controversy of adopting the 'technology of the alphabet'. The feared impact according to the character Thamus was that it would implant forgetfulness; for people would rely on what is written rather than calling to mind from within themselves.
The written word liberated knowledge from the bounds of individual memory and freed language from the forms that were required in order to facilitate memorization.
Analysis
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Establishing the groundwork for the rest of the book by providing an overview of how the brain is wired.
Reflection
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Interesting opinion on the Age of Enlightenment overemphasis on logic/reason giving rise to the notion of the brain being machine-like.