In a recorded lecture, game designer and scholar Paolo Pedercini of Carnegie Mellon University discusses the similarities between rationalism and particular modes of thinking and acting that are encouraged in video games. He claims computer games are an aesthetic form of rationalism. Please explain his position for at least 500 words. Then, spend the last 300-500 words explaining whether you agree with his position or not and why.
Assignment Details
| Type of Assignment | Essay |
| Level | University (Undergraduate) |
| Format | MLA |
| Pages | 4 |
| Spacing | Double-spaced |
| Sources Topic/Subject | 4 Art/ Communication/Media |
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Computer Games are an Aesthetic Form of Rationalization
With the advancement in technology and effects of industrialization, computer games have become a part of social activities for humans. There are a variety of computer games ranging from computer-controlled games- where players interact with instruments and objects on a computer screen for different purposes such as entertainment, relaxation, and skill enhancement-to arcade or console machine games. While there are several reasons for playing computer games such as mood improvement, and communication, computer games are associated with adverse effects such as increased aggressiveness and addiction. In his lecture, game designer and scholar Paolo Pedercini discusses the similarities between rationalization and specific modes of acting and thinking that are encouraged in video games. He posits that all types of computer games share a common characteristic of efficiency and controls. Pedercini asserts that, “computer games are the aesthetic form of rationalization” (Perdicini para. 4).
Perdicini briefly relates the concept of capitalism in computer games. He begins by making a consideration that computer games are a system of rationalization, similar to other systems of bureaucratic organizations and capitalist market systems. Video game player’s actions are oriented towards a specific mode of acting and thinking. The concept of rationalization in sociology is defined as, “the process of replacement of traditions, customs, and emotions as motivators of human conduct in favor of quantification and calculation.” (Perdicini para .4). Max Weber introduced the notion of rationalization which has been manifested in the rise of industrial organization production and bureaucracies. Rationalization manifests itself in more substantial aspects of the social life. Moreover, rationalization engulfs the sphere of social relationships and culture in the modern world. Perdicini claims that human relationships are currently efficiently managed through online social networks such as Facebook which impose standards protocols and numeric rankings of previously irreducible social interaction. Besides, education has been reformed around mechanical reproducibility and quantitative assessment with the advent of massive online courses and standardized tests. Video games are founded and primarily informed upon technologies of quantification and control. Computer games produce artful depictions of the world which may reinforce particular mindsets and assumptions considering that the games are mathematically defined and susceptible to the rational calculation (Perdicini).
Perdicini explores the themes in various types of games such as strength and management based, skill-based, puzzles, social games, and goal-oriented. Developers tend to develop elements and relationships within games……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. NEED THE WHOLE PAPER!
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