Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The scientific objective of this article is to show the relationship between visual communication, especially the role of the camera and photography, and the viewer’s perception of political events.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: Typically, studies have focused attention on the truthfulness/untruthfulness or credibility/unreliability of information, or focusing on the analysis of manipulative factors in political communication. The author of this article considers the camera’s importance in transmitting political information. The background to the considerations undertaken is an analysis of the concepts of the Czech philosopher of photography, Vilém Flusser.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: Starting from the presentation of the context of the issue at hand, i.e., the cultural role of the camera, and a brief presentation of the thoughts of selected photographic theorists, the concept of photography as an apparatus of power as seen by Flusser will be analysed. The author will draw attention to the dangers of the manipulative use of technical images and point out the camera’s limitations in the communication process. In the final part, the question of possible defence against the appropriating influence of political photography on the imagination will be discussed.

RESEARCH RESULTS: The author of this article wishes to defend the thesis that the power over the visual imagination of media users is an essential aspect of exercising political power. Defending against the destructive impact of manipulated digital images requires the viewer to be able to read images and think critically about the marketing and political messages contained in them.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Studying the processes of receiving visual messages in the media should be an essential aspect of social and political research. The philosophy of photography and media should be treated as a critical aspect of contemporary political philosophy.