Photography and Philosophy

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

“"As a whole,Walden's collection is a valuable addition to the philosophical literature on photography. It is well organized and contains a sustained discussion of many of the more provocative claims that philosophers have made about photography. It is still an open question whether any of these claims are true, but rather than simply dwelling upon the banal truths that we all already agree upon, it is a lot more interesting." ( The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism , Summer 2010) "This is a very valuable collection that gathers together a set of articles and issues that should be of general interest to philosophers of art." ( Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews , February 2009) "How does one accept or deny 'reality' in photographic excursions? This is the central issue in this extraordinary compilation of 13 essays by contemporary philosophers who argue back and forth (in editor Walden's clever arrangement) so that readers must engage their own minds within the constantly conflicting (theoretical and personal) propositions/explanations. This is a rich, provocative, intelligent, challenging, and important compilation. Highly recommended." ( Choice , November 2008) "Many of the essays are well written and indeed groundbreaking ... .Given its overall depth, the anthology is worth reading by any critic, curator or student of the arts." ( Prefix Photo , 2008) "Will enlighten the student and refresh the informed. Contributes greatly to the literature and will occupy a favorite spot on the book shelves." ( Metapsychology )”

"As a whole,Walden's collection is a valuable addition to the philosophical literature on photography. It is well organized and contains a sustained discussion of many of the more provocative claims that philosophers have made about photography. It is still an open question whether any of these claims are true, but rather than simply dwelling upon the banal truths that we all already agree upon, it is a lot more interesting." (The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, Summer 2010)

"This is a very valuable collection that gathers together a set of articles and issues that should be of general interest to philosophers of art." (Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, February 2009)

"How does one accept or deny 'reality' in photographic excursions? This is the central issue in this extraordinary compilation of 13 essays by contemporary philosophers who argue back and forth (in editor Walden's clever arrangement) so that readers must engage their own minds within the constantly conflicting (theoretical and personal) propositions/explanations. This is a rich, provocative, intelligent, challenging, and important compilation. Highly recommended." (Choice, November 2008)

"Many of the essays are well written and indeed groundbreaking … .Given its overall depth, the anthology is worth reading by any critic, curator or student of the arts." (Prefix Photo, 2008)

"Will enlighten the student and refresh the informed. Contributes greatly to the literature and will occupy a favorite spot on the book shelves." (Metapsychology)

Scott Walden is Visiting Scholar in the Philosophy Department at New York University. His interest in photographic theory emerges from his training in philosophy and his practice of photography. His philosophical work has been published in the British Journal of Aesthetics, and his photographic work in his recent book Places Lost: In Search of Newfoundland's Resettled Communities (2003).

Seeing is believing –or is it? In an era of digital-imaging technology, can photographs still be considered truthful or realistic? 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.

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. Written by contemporary philosophers in a thorough and engaging manner, it is an excellent resource for students studying aesthetics or fine arts and photography.

Seeing is believing or is it? In an era of digital-imaging technology, can photographs still be considered truthful or realistic? 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. 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. Written by contemporary philosophers in a thorough and engaging manner, it is an excellent resource for students studying aesthetics or fine arts and photography.

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