The document discusses edifying photography and the hermeneutics of narratives. [1] Edifying photography positions photography in the context of man's social practices and examines why we look at pictures. [2] The context of interpretation for a photo is constructed through four features of discourse: an actual event, connection to persons, communication, and reference to a described or expressed world. [3] This context is further constructed through the life practices of those who make, view, and interpret photos within specific historical situations and narratives.

1. Edifying Photography and
Hermeneutics of Narratives
PekkaHenrikKalli, PhD.

2. What is EdifyingPhotography?
• Position to see the meaning of photography in
the context of man´s social practice.
• Answer to
question:Whywearelookingpictures, images,
photos?
• Photo is an eyemultiplied.

3. 1.
Every ”good” photo is edifying.
– Photo as hybrid: nature /culture
– Struggle of the Content of Modern

4. 2
Context of Interpretation:
Fourfeatures of Discource ( Ricoeur):
• Actualevent at particularmoment
• Is connectedwithpersons
• Is communication
• Refers to a worldthatitclaims to describe, to express, or
to represent

5. 3
The context of interpretation is constructed in the life-
practices of man
1) The maker of Photo is producing the Photo in specific
historical situation or context.
2) The viewer of Photo is producing the meaning of the
Photo in perception in factual situation.
3) The meaning and Theme of the Photo is constructed in
narrative fusion of horizons (Gadamer) or defiguration
(Ricouer).
4) The Photo refers to outer reality, “reality” defines the
meaning of the Photo by giving the boarders for
interpretation.

6. 4
The life-practices of man are expressed in narratives.
1) Because personal identity is a narrative identity, we can make sense of ourselfs only
in and through involvement with others.
2) In our dealings with others, we do not simply enact a role or function that has been
assigned to us. We can change ourself through our own efforts and can reasonably
encourage others to change as well.
3) Nonetheless, because we are embodied existences and hence have inherited both
biological and psychological constraints, we cannot change everything about
ourselves. And because others are similarly constrained, we cannot sensibly call for
comprehensive changes in them.
4) Though we can be evaluated in a number of ways, e.g., physical dexterity, verbal
fluency, technical skill etc. The ethical evaluation in the light of our responsiveness
to others, over time, is, on the whole, the most important evaluation.

7. 5
The most important context for constructing our
identity (Charles Taylor) is “community of
practice” (Etienne Wenger).

8. 6
For an Individual, a photograph is grounded very
deep; concepts of autonoesisand episodic
memory are essential for understanding
photography.

9. 7
Edifying Photography is an “umbrella” concept
for all “good” photography

10. 8
Edifying photography is a concept by which we
can connect photography to the tradition of
critical humanism.

11. End of this Story
• Edifying photography is a concept which converges three
disciplines: Education, Photography and Philosophy.
• For Education and Educators it gives a basis for understanding the
power of photography and an effective basis for working with
Photos.
• For Photography and Photographers Edifying photography makes
sensible to work with objects and makes it more meaningful to see
new dimensions in making photos.
• For Philosophy and Philosophers it means one way to rise
Photography in realm of critical tradition of mankind and keep
conversation going on.

12. Sources:
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