Aparat władzy – uwagi na marginesie filozofii fotografii Viléma Flussera
The Apparatus of Power: Notes on the Margins of Vilém Flusser's Philosophy of Photography

Summary/Abstract: RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The scientific aim of this article is to show the relationship between visual communication, particularly the role of the camera and photography, and the viewer's perception of political events. RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: Research usually focuses attention on the truthfulness/untruthfulness or credibility/lack of credibility of information, or on analyzing manipulative factors in political messaging. The author of the article considers the significance of the camera in conveying information of a political nature. The background for these considerations is an analysis of the concept of the Czech philosopher of photography Vilém Flusser. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The starting point will be to present the context of the discussed issue, i.e. the cultural role of the camera, and a brief discussion of the thought of selected theorists of photography; then Flusser's concept of photography as an apparatus of power will be analyzed. The author will draw attention to the dangers associated with the manipulative use of technical images and will point to the limitations of the camera in the communication process. The final part will discuss the possible defense against the imagination-appropriating influence of political photography. RESEARCH RESULTS: The author of the article wishes to defend the thesis that power over the visual imagination of media users constitutes a fundamental aspect of exercising political power. Defense against the destructive influence of manipulated digital images requires the recipient to have the ability to read images and to critically reflect on the marketing and political message contained in them. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Studies on the processes of receiving visual messages in the media should constitute an important aspect of social and political research. In this sense, the philosophy of photography and media should be treated as an important element of contemporary political philosophy.

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