Photography and Philosophy: Essays on the Pencil of Nature (New Directions in Aesthetics)

Wiley-Blackwell. 1 edition. 2008. — 338 pages. — ISBN: 1405139242 This anthology offers a fresh approach to the philosophical aspects of photography. The essays, written by contemporary philosophers in a thorough and engaging manner, explore the far-reaching ethical dimensions of photography as it is used today. A first-of-its-kind anthology exploring the link between the art of photography and the theoretical questions it raises: Written in a thorough and engaging manner. Essayists are all contemporary philosophers who bring with them an exceptional understanding of the broader metaphysical issues pertaining to photography. Takes a fresh look at some familiar issues - photographic truth, objectivity, and realism. Introduces newer issues such as the ethical use of photography or the effect of digital-imaging technology on how we appreciate images. This Book Takes An Up-to-date Look At The Issues Of Photographic Truth, Objectivity, And Realism. It Tests The Limits On What Can Ethically Be Done With A Camera And Examines The Fundamental Differences Between Photographic And Non-photographic Artwork. Unlike The Numerous Texts Devoted To The Subject Of Film Theory, This Collection Contains Essays Specifically About The Art Form Of Still Photography And The Broader Theoretical Questions It Raises. Introduction / Scott Walden -- Transparent Pictures: On The Nature Of Photographic Realism / Kendall L. Walton -- Photographs And Icons / Cynthia Freeland -- Photographs As Evidence / Aaron Meskin And Jonathan Cohen -- Truth In Photography / Scott Walden -- Documentary Authority And The Art Of Photography / Barbara Savedoff -- Photography And Representation / Roger Scruton -- How Photographs Signify: Cartier-bresson's Reply To Scruton / David Davies -- Scales Of Space And Time In Photography: Perception Points Two Ways / Patrick Maynard -- True Appreciation / Dominic Mciver Lopes -- Landscape And Still Life: Static Representations Of Static Scenes / Kendall L. Walton -- The Problem With Movie Stars / Noël Carroll -- Pictures Of King Arthur: Photography And The Power Of Narrative / Gregory Currie -- The Naked Truth / Arthur C. Danto. Edited By Scott Walden. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [310]-317) And Index. Photography and Philosophy takes an up-to-date look at the issues of photographic truth, objectivity, and realism. It tests the limits on what can ethically be done with a camera and examines the fundamental differences between photographic and non-photographic artwork.