WITNESS & EVIDENCE: RESPONSIBILITY & AGENCY IN IMAGE-MAKING in Spring 2024 (HI1099FB2)

This course delves into the realm of philosophical discussions surrounding witnessing and testimony, particularly in a world where our understanding and perception are increasingly mediated by a myriad of media. In an age where information flows through screens, speakers, and pages, we examine the profound philosophical questions pertaining to the nature of witnessing and the multifaceted processes of constructing, interpreting, and employing evidence. We encourage students to apply these theoretical debates to various forms of testimonies, ranging from traditional narrative testimony to contemporary media witnessing, testimonial cinema, and artistic creation.

Students will learn to analyze the complete constructive process, spanning from the initial comprehension of an event to the utilization of testimony as a form of evidence and, ultimately, to the transformative potential of image-making. Throughout this journey, the course underscores the epistemic responsibility that every individual bears when confronted with an event, underlining that we are not mere bystanders but active participants in shaping our collective understanding of the world.