Knowledge as Film vs. Knowledge as Photo: Alternative Models in Early Soviet Thought

Abstract While Lenin considered human knowledge to be similar a mirror-like reflection of the object, Aleksandr Bogdanov emphasized creative role subject in organizing world. On basis some textual evidence, it is possible describe epistemologies two most influential Russian Marxists at beginning twentieth century using metaphors photography, on one hand, and cinema, other. In particular, while discussing Einstein’s relativity, considers sense organs, memory, all apparatus ‘as certain kind cinematographic device’. Sergei Eisenstein deems that cinema ‘an excellent instrument perception … for sensation movement’. Although difficult find compelling proof exchange influence, this an actual ‘tangential point’ between Bogdanov’s Eisenstein’s ideas knowledge.