On Baudrillard's Simulacra Theory

Based on Baudrillard's theory works, this paper primarily makes a aesthetic research on his important theoretical term—simulacra. Combined with the modern theoretical contributions on Baudrillard's theory from related domestic and foreign scholars, this paper tries to sort out the forming cause of simulacra theory, then makes a systematic analysis and study on simulacra, expects to help readers understand the social realities in post-industrial era more exactly.The foreword primarily analyzes the significance of the research on simulacra theory, makes a brief introduction about Baudrillard and generalizes the research trends on Baudrillard from related domestic and foreign scholars.The first chapter outlines all the Baudrillard's theory, especially makes a introduction about his aesthetics theory and the position of simulacra theory in his theory system, then analyzes Baudrillard's view of aesthetics should go toward death, and points out that simulacra theory is the core part of his theory system.The second chapter primarily introduces the social-economic conditions of simulacra theory's formation, points out that the consumption society is the ideal place which simulacra theory could exist. In consumption society, with the change of consumption view and psychology, people pay more attention to consumption object's sign value than its use valueThe third chapter points out the symbolization of object is the prelude of the reality's going toward virtuality and simulacra. With the help of mass media and advertisement, the use value of object is no longer the core part which people are concerned about. The sing value of object has become the major reason which guides people to consume.The fourth chapter primarily analyzes the concept of simulacra and discusses the technology base and operation system of simulacra formation, points out that simulacra bases itself on the principle of model formation. The production of simulacra is both unlimited and uncontrolled, which would form a hyper-reality society.The conclusion analyzes the influence and shortage of Baudrillard's simulacra theory, points out that though it can reflect some social phenomena exactly, it cannot prove the future will be the hyper-reality world which Baudrillard describes in his theory.