Knowledge is and will be produced in order to be sold, it is and will be consumed in order to be valorised in a new production: in both cases, the goal is exchange
Jean-Francois LyotardRead
One can decide that the principal role of knowledge is as an indispensable element in the functioning of society, and act in accordance with that decision, only if one has already decided that society is a giant machine
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the role of knowledge as essential to the functioning of society, likening society to a complex machine.
Jean-Francois Lyotard suggests that for one to regard knowledge as crucial for societal functioning, they must first adopt the perspective of viewing society itself as a vast and intricate machine. This metaphor implies that knowledge is a fundamental cog in this societal machine, necessary for its operations and progress. By recognizing this relationship, individuals can better understand the importance of knowledge in contributing to social cohesion and functionality.
Themes
KnowledgeSocietyFunctioningMachinePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of education, one might use this quote to highlight the value of knowledge in maintaining societal order.
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All quotes →If we wish to discuss knowledge in the most highly developed contemporary society, we must answer the preliminary question of what methodological representation to apply to that society
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