The nature of representation is a central topic in philosophy. This is the first book to connect problems with understanding representational artifacts, like pictures, diagrams, and inscriptions, to the philosophies of science, mind, and art.

Can images be a source of knowledge? Are images merely conventional signs, like words? What is the relationship between the observer and the observed? In this clear and stimulating introduction to the problem John V. Kulvicki explores these questions and more. He discusses:

• the nature of pictorial experience and "seeing in"
• recognition, resemblance, pretense, and structural theories of depiction
• images as aids to scientific discovery and understanding
• mental imagery and the nature of perceptual content
• photographs as visual prostheses.

In so doing he assesses central problems in the philosophy of images, such as how objects we make come to represent other things, and how we distinguish kinds of representation - pictures, diagrams, graphs - from one another. Essential reading for students and professional philosophers alike, the book also contains chapter summaries, annotated further reading, and a glossary.

About the Author
John V. Kulvicki is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Dartmouth University, USA. He is the author of On Images: Their Structure and Content (2006).

Reviews

"... a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of imagistic representations. Kulvicki provides a splendid critical introductory overview of recent philosophical accounts of pictorial representation, the majority of which have been developed within the framework of the philosophy of art. ... In sum, this book provides an excellent critical overview of contemporary theories of pictorial representation. But it is also an ambitious attempt to provide the foundations of an account of a broader domain of images." - Paloma Atencia-Linares, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"Smartly written and skilfully constructed, featuring an even-handed and comprehensive overview of the best that philosophers have had to say about images. If your library has space for only one book on the philosophy of pictures, then this is it." - Dominic McIver Lopes, University of British Columbia, Canada

"A first-rate introduction to the philosophical debate on the nature of images. Yet, this book delivers much more than just an introduction. By discussing images in the context of the philosophy of science, aesthetics, and the philosophy of mind, Kulvicki opens up new lines of inquiry and invites the reader to think more deeply about the nature of images." - Rene Jagnow, University of Georgia, USA

"A superb guide to the rich post-Gombrich literature on the nature of pictorial representation and images in general, including scientific images, graphs, diagrams, and mental images. It is also an innovative development and defense of Kulvicki's preferred structuralist theory. Sophisticated yet accessible, it is exceptionally interesting and insightful." - Kendall Walton, University of Michigan, USA

"... a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of imagistic representations. Kulvicki provides a splendid critical introductory overview of recent philosophical accounts of pictorial representation, the majority of which have been developed within the framework of the philosophy of art. ... In sum, this book provides an excellent critical overview of contemporary theories of pictorial representation. But it is also an ambitious attempt to provide the foundations of an account of a broader domain of images." - Paloma Atencia-Linares, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"Smartly written and skilfully constructed, featuring an even-handed and comprehensive overview of the best that philosophers have had to say about images. If your library has space for only one book on the philosophy of pictures, then this is it." - Dominic McIver Lopes, University of British Columbia, Canada

"A first-rate introduction to the philosophical debate on the nature of images. Yet, this book delivers much more than just an introduction. By discussing images in the context of the philosophy of science, aesthetics, and the philosophy of mind, Kulvicki opens up new lines of inquiry and invites the reader to think more deeply about the nature of images." - Rene Jagnow, University of Georgia, USA

"A superb guide to the rich post-Gombrich literature on the nature of pictorial representation and images in general, including scientific images, graphs, diagrams, and mental images. It is also an innovative development and defense of Kulvicki's preferred structuralist theory. Sophisticated yet accessible, it is exceptionally interesting and insightful." - Kendall Walton, University of Michigan, USA

"As an introductory volume to the post-Gombrich literature on pictorial depiction, Images both acts as an excellent springboard for diving into the many diverse positions that dominate the field, and as a wonderful textbook for upper-level undergraduate or graduate philosophy seminars. It is also written very well, and even the most mildly interested reader would find it a pleasure to read." - James Elliott (Purdue University) Philosophical Psychology

Book Information
ISBN 9780415557016
Author John Kulvicki
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 385g