Platos Cave by Susan Sontag Summary
Susan Sontag explains photography in comparison with Platos Cave where reality is limited to only what is inside the cave where shadows of the outside world reflect only pieces of the truth. Today, photographs are also pieces of the truth, they only show a part of the whole and they are only one person or one photographers perception. We are shown hundreds of photos everyday where we don’t know the people in them or the intentions behind them, but we create a idea of the reality behind it through a single image and interpretation. A photograph is a interesting thing because it is physical object, a reflection of reality, but also a manipulation and mere image of the truth. It can be manipulated in many ways, but because it claims to capture reality, too many times we regard an image as the whole truth and forget that even a photograph is an interpretation of what someone else sees or feels. In the modern world photography as Susan Sontag explains has become many things; it is an art form that is also a social right, a defense against anxiety, and a tool of power.
As an art form photos are forms of expression and interpretations of the artist’s reality. As a social right we take photographs to capture our truths, remember the past, and influence the future. It is a shield against what is really going on and it is a form of showing you participated. Susan Sontag reminds us that Mallarmé, said that everything in the world exists in order to end in a book. Today everything exists to end in a photograph. Photographs have become such a powerful tool in their ability to influence people through imagery with a singular focus. Even though it might not be obvious, every image imposes the viewer with a certain idea. It is the viewers job to understand that photographs provide one version of the truth. Therefore, it is important that you remember not to let a photo determine your reality or be your only source of information.
