Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge
13
Chapters
165
Notes
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
IB Resources
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)

Art or Truth Deciphering Ethics in Photojournalism

Word Count Emoji
653 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Art, reality, & truth

  • Key Idea: Anthony Tommasini differentiates art and reality, arguing that art is a step removed from reality. The images depicting real-world events, such as the Vietnamese children escaping a napalm attack or the fall of the Twin Towers, are truth and not art.
  • Real-World Example: Photos taken during catastrophic events like 9/11 or wars are depictions of reality, regardless of their artistic composition.
  • Note: This topic can spark interesting discussions on what constitutes art and how it is differentiated from reality or truth.

Photojournalism & its ethical implications

  • Key Idea: The Tate Modern Museum lists photojournalism as a form of art but emphasizes its need for honesty and impartiality. The concept of photojournalism as an art form doesn't take away from its status as a documentary medium.
  • Real-World Example: Pulitzer-winning photographs that capture the horrors of war are instances of photojournalism being an art form, but these images also maintain a documentary character.
  • Note: This section delves into the complex nature of photojournalism, its ethical considerations, and the balance between artistic intent and representation of truth.

Willoughby wallace hooper & the madras famine

  • Key Idea: Hooper's photos of the Madras famine blurred the lines between photojournalism and perverse aesthetic. The intention was to rally support for the famine-stricken, but his portrayal raised ethical questions.
  • Real-World Example: The haunting images of the Madras famine by Hooper represent an instance where the aesthetic decisions had a significant impact on the photo's interpretation.
  • Note: This section shows the controversial side of photojournalism and the ethical implications of the aesthetics chosen by the photographer.

Power of visual media & poverty porn

  • Key Idea: The use of visual media, particularly photography, in representing poverty, aid, and human rights, often referred to as 'poverty-porn,' raises ethical issues.
  • Real-World Example: Images of malnourished children from developing countries used in charity appeals can stimulate discussions on whether these images exploit the subjects or serve a greater good.
  • Note: This section explores the controversial practice of poverty porn and how it is perceived and discussed in both academic and social discourse.

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IB Resources
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)

Art or Truth Deciphering Ethics in Photojournalism

Word Count Emoji
653 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Art, reality, & truth

  • Key Idea: Anthony Tommasini differentiates art and reality, arguing that art is a step removed from reality. The images depicting real-world events, such as the Vietnamese children escaping a napalm attack or the fall of the Twin Towers, are truth and not art.
  • Real-World Example: Photos taken during catastrophic events like 9/11 or wars are depictions of reality, regardless of their artistic composition.
  • Note: This topic can spark interesting discussions on what constitutes art and how it is differentiated from reality or truth.

Photojournalism & its ethical implications

  • Key Idea: The Tate Modern Museum lists photojournalism as a form of art but emphasizes its need for honesty and impartiality. The concept of photojournalism as an art form doesn't take away from its status as a documentary medium.
  • Real-World Example: Pulitzer-winning photographs that capture the horrors of war are instances of photojournalism being an art form, but these images also maintain a documentary character.
  • Note: This section delves into the complex nature of photojournalism, its ethical considerations, and the balance between artistic intent and representation of truth.

Willoughby wallace hooper & the madras famine

  • Key Idea: Hooper's photos of the Madras famine blurred the lines between photojournalism and perverse aesthetic. The intention was to rally support for the famine-stricken, but his portrayal raised ethical questions.
  • Real-World Example: The haunting images of the Madras famine by Hooper represent an instance where the aesthetic decisions had a significant impact on the photo's interpretation.
  • Note: This section shows the controversial side of photojournalism and the ethical implications of the aesthetics chosen by the photographer.

Power of visual media & poverty porn

  • Key Idea: The use of visual media, particularly photography, in representing poverty, aid, and human rights, often referred to as 'poverty-porn,' raises ethical issues.
  • Real-World Example: Images of malnourished children from developing countries used in charity appeals can stimulate discussions on whether these images exploit the subjects or serve a greater good.
  • Note: This section explores the controversial practice of poverty porn and how it is perceived and discussed in both academic and social discourse.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Theory of Knowledge. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟