Giddens 1990

Question 1

what does writing achieve?

Answer 1

writing expands the level of time and space differences and creates a perspective of the past, present and future in which we can reflexively deviate from tradition

Question 2

What character does reflexivity take on in the face of modernity?

Answer 2

It is introduces in the basis of system reproduction meaning that thought and action are constantly refracting back on each other (tradition is no longer justification)

Question 3

What is the result on reflexive modernity?

Answer 3

prevalence of uncertainty and ambiguity as we question all reason and information (and that knowledge is constantly refuted)

Question 4

How does knowledge in modernity differ to old knowledge?

Answer 4

It lacks certainty

Question 5

are national statistics a reflexive component?

Answer 5

Yes, as they are collected and counted then policy is created by them. Most people are aware of statistics regarding things such as divorce rates which makes them reflect on the outcome

Question 6

Does more social knowledge mean more control over our fate?

Answer 6

No, because human life alters in light of new information in a reflexive fashion. We cannot separate social life from human knowledge.

Question 7

Will modernity die like other civilisations?

Answer 7

No, because modernity in the conjunction of multiple civilisations (especially due to globalisation)

Question 8

what are the 3 main sources of dynamism within modernity?

Answer 8

1) separation in time and space
2) Development of dis-embedding mechanisms (Lift out social activity from its social context)
3) The reflexive appropriation of knowledge
(these are why we have little control over modernity)

Question 9

Name 2 disembedding mechanisms and explain how they function

Answer 9

Symbolic tokens and expert systems

we rely on trust to apply each of these, we base our decisions by mediating between trust levels and risk potential