Thus, the meanings which were possible in the 1980 debates are likely to be quite different from the meanings which were possible in the 1860s. In some ways this is what Jones is saying. However, for Jones technological technique and the visual elements are of less consequence than the words spoken. Such a view of the place of technique and the visual in human communication is not unusual, but as we will see in our next reading by Gunther Kress, it is a position which is much debated in communication as we enter the new millenium. Secondly, we might critique Jones' statement for its tendency towards technological determinism .
Determinism is a word which is often used to define a closed system of meaning.
Determinism does not allow for pluralities, nuances or ambiguity of meaning. In the context of technology it suggests that technology determines human behaviour, or even that it 'drives' history. It ignores the way that cultural and political forces shape technologies and the complex interactions between these. You might like to consider whether or not you consider the words of Barry Jones cited above as 'determinist' in relation to technology. Your next reading is by Gunther Kress on 'visual and verbal modes of representation'.