Philosophers use it for language that accompanies an action, like “I dub thee knight”; it also means done for show or signal
Find out everything that you need to know about today’s Jeopardy episode, including the Final Jeopardy, clues and answers, and the contestants plus who won tonight!
CATEGORY: Newer Words
CLUE: Philosophers use it for language that accompanies an action, like “I dub thee knight”; it also means done for show or signal
ANSWER: Performative
About Today’s Final Jeopardy – Monday, 15 July 2024
In the field of philosophy, particularly in linguistic theory, the term “performative” is used to describe utterances that do not just communicate information but actually perform the action they describe. This concept was extensively developed by J.L. Austin, a British philosopher of language, in his theory of speech acts during the mid-20th century. According to Austin, when a speaker makes a performative utterance like “I now pronounce you man and wife” or “I apologize,” the act of saying these words, given the right circumstances and authority, constitutes performing the action itself. These are not mere statements or descriptions; their articulation brings about a change in the external world or alters some state of affairs. Austin’s exploration into performative utterances opened new avenues in understanding how language functions not just as a tool for communication but also as a mechanism for action.
However, the term “performative” has transcended its linguistic roots and found relevance in broader sociocultural contexts, particularly in the critique of actions performed primarily to project a certain image or to fulfill a societal expectation rather than from genuine conviction. In social and political discourse, actions described as “performative” often imply a lack of authenticity or a superficial commitment to a cause. For example, a corporation might be accused of performative activism if it publicly supports social causes for the sake of positive publicity rather than a deep-seated commitment to those issues. This critical use of “performative” has grown in prominence with the rise of social media, where individuals and organizations frequently engage in public displays of support or solidarity that are sometimes viewed as opportunistic or insincere.
Moreover, the performative nature of such actions raises questions about the role of visibility and recognition in ethics and politics. When does the public performance of an action undermine its authenticity, and how do observers distinguish between genuine and performative acts? These questions challenge individuals and organizations to reflect on the motivations behind their public gestures and the potential impacts these actions have on their audiences. The scrutiny of performative actions invites a deeper inquiry into the dynamics of power, representation, and sincerity in our interconnected, highly visible social landscape. In essence, the expansion of the term “performative” from a linguistic concept into a tool for social critique reflects its utility in navigating the complex interplay between language, action, and authenticity in contemporary culture.
Who Won Jeopardy Tonight? – Monday, 15 July 2024
Looking to find out who won Jeopardy tonight? Scroll down below to find out everyone’s final scores, as well as the scores after the Single Jeopardy and Double Jeopardy rounds!
| Returning Champion | Contestant | Contestant |
|---|---|---|
| Isaac Hirsch Burbank, California Customer Support Team Lead 8 Day Winnings of $195,389 Winning Score: $20,001 Round 2 Score: $11,200 Round 1 Score: $6,600 | James Hayakawa Originally Davis, California Non-profit Program Officer & Actor Final Score: $5,200 Round 2 Score: $4,000 Round 1 Score: $2,800 | Brenna Sniatecki Rochester, New York Drama Club Director Final Score: $8,000 Round 2 Score: $10,000 Round 1 Score: $3,000 |
Final Jeopardy Video – Monday, 15 July 2024
Watch all the videos from today’s Jeopardy episode below, including highlights, behind the scenes outtakes and full episodes.
Final Jeopardy is the final round of the popular American television game show Jeopardy!, in which participants test their knowledge in numerous areas by answering questions. In Final Jeopardy, participants are given a single clue and must wager a percentage of their existing earnings based on their confidence in their ability to successfully respond.
Each contestant surreptitiously writes down their wager during the commercial break. The Final Jeopardy clue is presented when the programme resumes, and participants have 30 seconds to write down their solution in the form of a question (e.g., “What is…?”). When the timer runs out, the host, reveals each contestant’s response and wager in ascending order of their pre-Final Jeopardy scores. The scores of contestants are adjusted based on whether their response is correct or incorrect, as well as the amount wagered. At the end of the round, the contestant with the highest score is proclaimed the winner.