Abstract

My dissertation constructs a model for interpretation that treats images as analogous to speech acts. The analogy is drawn on the basis that both are intentional acts which must be understood within the context of their performance. Drawing upon Donald Davidson's method of interpreting language, I show that we understand images in the same way that we understand language. ;Discussing images as image acts involves a particular kind of interpretation, namely, interpreting what the artist was doing. Understanding an image, then, requires understanding something about the creator of that image. An interpretation is constructed within a larger story about the beliefs, attitudes, desires, and aims of the artist. ;The image act model sets out four components that are part of the interpretive process: the artist, the viewer, the image, and the context. It is the conjunction of these four components that comprise an image act. Interpreting that act involves assigning a meaning and a force to the image. The meaning addresses the content of the image while the force addresses the purpose the image serves. The story told about the artist, the context of presentation, and the effect on the viewer all contribute to the meaning and force assigned to the image. Presenting an image in a different context or to a different viewer can lead to an alternative assignment of meaning and force. ;There are many benefits to an image act model. First, I think it accurately reflects our actual practice of interpretation. Secondly, it prescribes an appropriate role for intention. Third, it illustrates the sources of indeterminacy that result in the existence of multiple correct interpretations. Finally, the model will lead towards exploring the role of the audience in more detail. I believe discussion in the philosophy of art needs to shift its focus to viewers. Image acts can no longer be construed merely as issuing from artists, but rather, must take into account the viewers who are part of the image act. It is in reference to a community of viewers that issues such as the evaluation of interpretations and the definition of art will be decided