Contemporary Mythology: Mechanisms of Meaning and Cultural Practice

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Marcin Napiórkowski's concept presented in his book "Contemporary Mythology." The author rejects the traditional perception of myth as fable or falsehood, defining it as an essential "operating system of culture." The text explains how meaning-making mechanisms allow us to organize our surrounding reality and satisfy our existential hunger in the face of chaos. It discusses the practical manifestations of myth in social life, from rituals to media scandals, which serve as scenarios for collective action. A key element is the distinction between fact-checking and the ontological power of myth, which can create new realities where cognitive certainty is lacking. This approach views culture as a technology of meaning, where symbolic bricolage and networks of meaning build the foundations of our everyday functioning and identity.