APPARATUS FOR AN AGEING BODY : CONTESTATION ON LOGOS-RATIONALITY THROUGH REMYTHICIZATION

Abstract

While ancient interpretations may have mythos and logos set at polarities between falsity and truth, the entanglement between both in contemporary interpretations has evolved. Mythos now takes on the all-inclusive for encapsulating both logical reasoning and the potentiality of existence. Logos on the other is still that of truth governed by rationality but is exclusive to its own, and therefore reduces. However, the power of logos accumulated since ancient times now lies in the fact that it is able to produce the model for, and guide the interpretation of what ‘reality’ is. Akin to that of authoritative power, it is one that is subscribed by the local government (the Government) to determine the course of action for the ageing population in Singapore. Importantly, the focus is in its production of advocated ‘apparatus’ – ‘tools, devices and systems’ for the ageing body which has imperceptibly modified the environment. In view of what mythology represents, the all-inclusive mythological framework of Frank Miller’s graphic novel - The Dark Knight Returns of an ageing Batman in Gotham City will be examined in view of the matter. Batman’s weapons, his dwelling and his engagement with the external environment conditioned for Batman’s ageing body will be analyzed to engage the logos actualized ‘apparatus’ set up in Singapore’s primal ageing population estate – Toa Payoh. In the contestation between the two therefore, the dissertation seeks to reveal the logos actualized ‘apparatus’ for the ageing population, and in fact exposes the nature of it as a reductionist for privileging the physical dimensions of an ageing body, negating and displacing existentialism in which the aged may wish to reclaim. Gotham City’s context may seem vividly disparate. However, in view of how the local government are constantly making reference to ageing studies in Australia and the Netherlands, Gotham City – the eponym of New York seems all the more valid.