"Simulacra and Simulation" (Jean Baudrillard)

"Simulacra and Simulation" by Jean Baudrillard explores the concepts of representations and reality in contemporary society. Baudrillard suggests that in modern culture, simulations—copies or reproductions of things—come to replace or overshadow the original reality. He identifies four stages of representation: the real, the representation of the real, the simulation of the representation, and pure simulation, where the distinction between reality and representation blurs. This idea highlights how media and symbols shape our perceptions, leading us to engage with versions of reality rather than the reality itself. Ultimately, it raises questions about authenticity in our experiences.