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GATE 2022 XH2 (English) – Question 62

Critical Theories and Intellectual Traditions · Theoretical Paradigms: Structuralism, Marxism, feminism, existentialism, poststructuralism, modernism, postmodernism, new historicism, postcolonialism, posthumanism · 2 marks · Multiple select

Jean Baudrillard, a post-modern thinker, has suggested that a sign refers to other signs. He has given four stages/phases to support his proposition. Which of the following do(es) not constitute a part of these stages/phases?

  1. The sign disguises the fact that there is no corresponding reality underneath.
  2. The sign is always peripheral.
  3. The sign bears no relation to any reality at all.
  4. The sign misrepresents or distorts the reality behind it.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) The sign is always peripheral.

Explanation

Baudrillard's four phases are: the sign reflects reality, it distorts reality, it hides that there is no reality, and it has no relation to any reality (pure simulacrum). A, C and D are three of these. “The sign is always peripheral” is not.