Critical Investigation of Roger Scruton's Views on Photography

2024;
: 7-12
https://doi.org/10.23939/shv2024.02.007
Received: July 12, 2024
Accepted: September 24, 2024
Authors:
1
Lviv Ivan Franko National University

This article critically examines Roger Scruton’s arguments against recognizing photography as art due to its mechanical nature. Scruton claims that photography is merely a reproduction of reality, lacking the creative intentionality found in traditional art forms like painting or theatre. The paper analyzes Scruton’s views within the context of contemporary philosophical discussions on the nature of art and photography. The research methodology includes a comparative analysis of Scruton’s ideas and those of philosophers such as Stanley Cavell, Kendall Walton, and Jean Baudrillard. The findings suggest that intentionality, the creative approach of photographers, and viewer interaction can confer artistic value to photography. The study also explores the impact of digital technologies on contemporary art, particularly photography, which expands the boundaries of traditional art perceptions.

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