A Search for Evidence

In philosophy, epistemology is the examination of knowledge—what we can truly know and what counts as evidence to justify it. Such discussions are central to photography, a medium often used as evidence in its own right.

When photography is used to document social and political change, questions of evidence stand front and center. Is photography able to showcase truth, and does it even matter? Can a photograph change someone’s mind? Who has been harmed by photography’s supposed objectivity, and by those who have weaponized it to advocate for a less inclusive world? Most importantly, what role should photography play in rectifying these injustices?

At the center of these questions lies an examination of photography’s role in commenting on our social and political landscape. As this landscape evolves, so do the answers. Yet this has not stopped artists from seizing on photography as a medium that communicates its own kind of truth—a search not just for evidence, but for clarity.

History

Epistem was founded in 2017 at the Prindle Institute for Ethics at DePauw University. Located in Greencastle, Indiana, the Prindle Institute is a leading space for inquiry and discourse on the critical ethical issues of our time.

Epistem is now an independent platform edited by Conner Gordon.

Contact

Get in touch with us at hello@epistemmag.com. Please note that Epistem is currently in a state of hibernation, meaning that it is not guaranteed that future issues will be published. However, all submitted work will be considered for possible future issues.

We welcome submissions of conversations, essays, features, reviews, or any other interesting projects you might have in mind. BIPOC, women-identifying, and LGBTQAI+ artists, as well as artists with disabilities, are especially encouraged to submit. Please reach out if you think your work would be a good fit!