The concept of representation and of how information is produced and submitted appealingly to an audience is essential to any written, visual or verbal text. Iconic, symbolic and indexical forms of representation when combined with preconceived ideas of particular subject matter assist in the forming of either negative or positive reactions with regards to a text. This paper examines the attached text and provides a critical reading of the strategies used to promote the ideas raised in the text and why such ideas are relevant. Issues raised include the premise of autonomous thought and the influence of technology as a form of human conditioning. The way in which the text uses both visual and verbal signs coupled with stereotypes commonly associated with the area of philosophy to promote these issues will also be analysed.

Any one text can provide its reader with a multitude of signs that need...