Discussion: "Can the world be too flat? On maps and (mis)representation."
Details
Does every representation of the world - including every map - necessarily deceive? Can maps be true depictions of the territory or are they at most useful fictions? And what do answers to these questions imply for maps' siblings - models, analogies, theories?
In this session of Marginal Thoughts, we will talk about how the world can be (mis)represented, taking maps to be the prototypical example. Before we make maps our territory, we will disorient ourselves with a Flat Earth video and then lose our bearings even more with a short story and, optionally, a poem:
- Short video: "We've Been Looking At A Flat Earth For Centuries" (~6 min)
- Short story by Jorge Luis Borges: "Death and the Compass" (~20 min; alternatively available as an audio version)
- Poem by Wisława Szymborska: "Map" (~2 min; optional)
Here, the video will argue that maps are not the territory, while Borges' protagonist forgets the distinction with dire consequences. Nevertheless, Szymborska's love for maps remains undeterred by their deceitful nature.
How to prepare
Watching the video and reading the story would be the minimal preparation, whereas the poem is optional. Some additional optional material is listed below.
As you engage with the material, try to identify at least one point of curiosity, confusion, or uncertainty - these will be natural starting points for our discussion.
What to expect
This is an in-person, conversational meetup in English. The goal isn't to debate or lecture - it’s to explore ideas and leave with better questions than we arrived with.
Optional stuff for the extra curious
An additional YT video by Johnny Harris which argues why all maps are wrong can be found here.
Any discussion of maps would be incomplete without the mention of Borges' short(est?) story "On Exactitude in Science".