The eloquence of silent objects

The cultural meaning that objects bear is an inescapable element in design - something that has to be taken into account in the design process.

Functionalism starts with the absolutely correct observation that designed objects are for use. It provides a starting point for thinking (but) the object is 'silent' - it does not speak to us.

One of the ways objects enter into - and help foster and sustain a 'form of life' - is through the 'meaning' they have. We can divorce function and wider use (which includes meaning) if we want to - but we cannot claim that in so doing we are getting closer to the heart of what an object is for.

I want to insist upon two claims: firstly, that objects do carry meaning - they are eloquent; but, on the other hand, that their eloquence is restricted; they remain 'silent objects'. They embody, rather than articulate meaning. In my keynote address I will try to show the superior status of embodied meaning (over asserted meaning) for design. However, this is in tension with (at least) three major currents of our present cultural situation - which, unfortunately reinforce one another.

Firstly, superficial public discourse necessarily pays more attention to asserted meaning. Secondly, a 'speeding up of responses' - the rapid pace of interaction - undercuts the possibility of retrieving 'embodied meaning'. Thirdly an 'allusive' ('quotational') culture - the culture of cliche and the gesture of anxious group assertion - puts a premium on asserted meaning over embodied meaning.

In order to address this situation we need to reanimate and revitalise the critical vocabulary - and do so not only at a scholarly but also at a public level. These are partly philosophical projects - they are to do with clarifying meaning and developing argument. But they are also public tasks - it's hardly adequate to do such work and keep it secret.

But if we don't address this public issue - what then? Superficial excitement will win out over deeper satisfaction: hype will triumph. And the quality of our intimate engagement with objects will suffer. The slow revelation of embodied meaning is where the real work gets done; it's why quality of design matters. But that requires a surrounding culture of attention - and we need to foster that kind of engagement.

Dr John Armstrong
Department of Philosophy
Melbourne University