Ellen McCallum, associate professor of English at Michigan State University, delivers a talk entitled, "Cybernetic Sade", a look at the literary contributions of the Marquis de Sade. She explains the term "cybernetics" as used to imply mechanistic control of any system using technology, then proceeds to illustrate how De Sade treated sex as a mechanical activity devoid of any inherent quality and engineered to bring together for sex, persons and activities not normally joined in sexual activities or as partners. McCallum says Sade's machine is intended to produce pleasure but only for the libertine and no one else. McCallum answers questions from the audience. McCallum is introduced by Michigan State University Librarian Michael Rodriguez.
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