Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 14:04:26 +1100
Subject: Lyotard on the "here-and-now".


Dear All,

In nt notes on "The Inhuman", I found the following quote:

"The question raised by the new technologies in connection with their
relation to art is that of the "here-and-now".  What does 'here' mean on the
phone, on television, at the receiver of an electronic telescope?  And the
'now'?  Does not the 'tele'-element necessarily destroy presence, the
'here-and-now' of the forms and their 'carnal' reception?  What is a place,
a moment, not anchored in the immediate 'passion' of what happens?  Is a
computer in any way here and now?  Can anything  _happen_ with it?  Can
anything happen  _to_  it?"

I read "The Inhuman" sometime ago, but the above never grabbed my attention.
Now, I find it intriguing, for I don't understand it.

Since it is one of the works most quoted on the List, I'm sure some of you
have studied this passage, and would appreciate comments.

Thanks,
Hugh