| Photography Forum: Philosophy Of Photography Forum: |
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Q. What are we doing here?
Asked by brian turner
(K=448) on 1/24/2001
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I remember several weeks ago, when I first stumbled across this forum, how excited I was that there seemed to be a place where creative image-makers could discuss topics and ideas related to the philosophies of the medium. In those few weeks, I have yet to come across a thread that doesn't start out or end up as "the philosophy of self-gratification" instead. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of relevant topics posted that are skirted around, but they all seem to get bogged down eventually in a haze of "Here's what I do, what do you think?" Kinda like those people who, in a conversation, always look for any opportunity to squeeze themselves in regardless of the relevance to the situation.
I know I'll catch hell from this, but does anyone else here feel the same way? C'mon guys...
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Gary Watson
(K=1665) - Comment Date 1/24/2001
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Sure. Why endure people who play the "Now that I've finished talking about me, why don't you talk about me" game? I cringe at the categorical force behind the idea that civility obliges one to suffer self-relevatory binges from strangers or acquaintances.Trash TV isn't a model for social behaviour.Threads usually degrade into slight tangents or non sequitor rants.You're right, though, that most threads parallel conversations.When was the last time you enjoyed that elegant pastime?
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D. Brian Nelson
(K=331) - Comment Date 1/24/2001
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I also stumbled on this forum a week or so back and was impressed with the quality of the discussions. But I'm also one that talked a lot about myself in posting.
Art can certainly be discussed in a vacuum. Many photography and other art books aren't illustrated, and their only content is thought in the form of words. Those books can be relevant and insightful, however:
Art can be better discussed with appropriate context. That context includes examples of the art, and point of view of those conversing, including any history that led to a particular position.
A philosophical position can be defensible, or justifiable, or valid, independent of the person taking the position. Especially in a philosophy class. But the practical person may find the ideal doesn't work. And explainations of the conflict between the ideal and the practiacal are only possible through recounting of experience.
And recounting of experience invloves talking about one's self.
-Don
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Gary Watson
(K=1665) - Comment Date 1/24/2001
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There's a big difference, Don, between "text" and "context." You've presented some excellent textual materials(quite stunning, actually), but what about the contextual "before" and "after" that fix their meanings? That's what's often in short supply hereabouts.Help us out?
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D. Brian Nelson
(K=331) - Comment Date 1/24/2001
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Gary, I don't understand what you said about "text" and "context," and before and after. Please expand on that.
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Jack McVicker
(K=1704) - Comment Date 2/5/2001
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Philosophy, of Greek origin with Latin influence, ' Love of Wisdom', critical examination of the grounds or fundamental beliefs and an analysis of the basic concepts employed in the expression of such beliefs. Seems pretty simple, I've got to agree with the opening statement of this thread. How we impart that wisdom appears to be the problem, ego massaging in depicting how a simple situation is dealt with only repeats several similar threads and serves little or no purpose in spreading any form of wisdom. Do photographs really add to the discussion when considering the basic fundamental beliefs. Philosophical inquiry is the central element in the intellectual history and developement of many historical civilisation. Somebody used the expression of over educated, but surely in the intellectual pusuit of wisdom this is an oxymoron statement. The basic requirement of wisdom is the education to understand and the intelligence to utilse that education. Or is wisdom the result of education and knowledge?
Jack.
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stephen poe
(K=770) - Comment Date 2/5/2001
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I don't have a problem with, "Here's what I do, what do you think?" --- but I definitely have a problem with internet type conversations -- they are typified, by and large, by people wanting to broadcast their own opinions and views and denigrate the opinions and views of others. Recently in photonet I did a seach on finding the meaning of the word "lusenet." What I found revealed to me what I had suspected for some time after having read his book and his looked extensively at his site -- Phillip Greenspun is a condescending, self serving twit. He doesn't want to admit to himself that without "users" (sorry - "lusers") his site is meaningless drivel. Same thing here. A large number of the participants in this forum want to express their own opinions and relish the opportunity to give someone else a good verbal beating. And yes, I have been guilty of it too.
It just seems like a tremendous waste of time. I'm going to either figure out a better way of using the internet or give up on it -- it has not improved me or my life much -- its just become a bad habit, mostly.
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james mickelson
(K=7344) - Comment Date 2/6/2001
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Sorry some of you feel this way. I for one have gotten a lot out of this forum. I was even given a new name. But there have been, in the past, some very good enlightening discussions started and extended that have been meaningful and enjoyable. The forum is only as good as the participants. You are participating now so are you the reason the forum isn't coming up to your expectations? Interesting topic within itself. Start a new thread with sonmething to say or something to discuss. You'll find many knowlegeable people waiting for such discourse. And yes you can get pumelled here rather quickly just as you can in real life. Thankyou Alan for this forum and opportunity for meaningful discussion. Lumberjack PS- Where's Trib when you need him?
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Tom Meyer
(K=3514) - Comment Date 2/6/2001
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Wisdom has nothing to do with education and is frequently found in those with less than average intellence (Stupid is as stupid does, sir!).
As for enjoying the forums on the internet, maybe you just need to sharpen those editing skills... t
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