The Value of an Image

Can images do what words do?  Are visual arguments possible?

J. Anthony Blair pointed out in his article, “The Possibility and Actuality of Visual Arguments”, it is extremely difficult to find a painting or picture or sculpture that makes a strong argument (Blair defined an argument in his article). Blair says, “great advantages of visual argument, namely its power and its suggestiveness, are gained at the cost of a loss of clarity and precision”.  It is difficult, according to Blair, to prove and make a visual argument because they are usually one-dimensional in the sense that they only show one side of the argument (when two sides are necessary to argue).  Blair uses examples that make it seem like the best argument is a hybrid of visual and verbal arguments, which are usually seen in magazines, television, and in movies.

                There are 2 clichés that immediately come to mind.  “A picture is worth a thousand words” and “Actions speak louder than words”.  Both of these clichés prove that an argument can be made visually.  I would say a visual argument (which can be in the form of a gesture) is more effective than a verbal argument.  English is a precise language, so someone can misinterpret what you say.  However, most people understand certain universal images and gestures.  Therefore, visual arguments are effective.