Martin Seel's Three Theses on the Phenomenology of Image

Critical Analysis of Linguistic Methods in Aesthetics

Abstract

In 'The Aesthetics of Phenomenal Presence,' Seel presents thirteen theses concerning the image and its manifestation, postulated under the influence of contemporary discourse and drawing on the contributions of Nelson Goodman and Gottfried Boehm. The author of this article focuses particularly on Seel's first three theses, discussing them in the context of potential interpretative issues. They subject them to critical analysis, referencing, among others, Ludwig Wittgenstein's concepts, which Seel rejects in his initial assumptions. The author endeavors to reconstruct the proposals of the German philosopher, highlighting the problems that these theses may overlook or inadequately problematize. The article examines the phenomenological approach to the material image, especially focusing on its mode of existence and the process of constituting meaning. The author also underscores Seel's attempt to encompass material images in all their forms, such as photographs, mirror reflections, or pictographic signs.