Adorning Bodies: Meaning, Evolution, and Beauty in Humans and Animals

Marilynn Johnson explores the relationship between meaning, bodies, and bodily adornment, drawing on evolutionary theory and philosophy to consider how the ways we use our bodies are similar to and different from animals. She examines how both natural and non-natural meanings signify relevant information to other humans, and how the way we dress can negatively influence the way our bodies can be read.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In Adorning Bodies, Marilynn Johnson delves into the intricate relationship between meaning, bodies, and bodily adornment, drawing upon evolutionary theory and philosophy to explore the profound dimensions of art, beauty, and aesthetics.

Johnson's inquiry into the nature of meaning in bodies takes a multi-faceted approach, considering both its innate and evolved aspects. She examines how the ways in which we use our bodies are deeply intertwined with our evolutionary history, sharing similarities with animals while also exhibiting distinct differences. By engaging with the works of influential evolutionary theorists such as Charles Darwin, H. P. Grice, and Roland Barthes, Johnson sheds light on the diverse range of meanings that can be attributed to bodies and bodily adornment.

One of the central themes of Adorning Bodies is the exploration of natural and non-natural meanings. Johnson questions how these systems of meaning convey relevant information to other humans, both in terms of bodies and clothing. She examines how our bodies can serve as communicative agents, transmitting signals and cues that can influence interpersonal interactions and social hierarchies. Similarly, she explores the cultural construction of meaning, examining how societal norms, values, and beliefs shape the way we perceive and interpret the body and its adornment.

In addition to examining the theoretical aspects of meaning in bodies, Johnson also delves into the practical implications of bodily adornment. She explores how the way we dress can shape the way our bodies are read and interpreted, both by ourselves and by others. She raises concerns about the potential negative influences of certain clothing choices on the way our bodies are perceived and the ways in which they can limit our physical and social mobility.

Johnson also highlights the fascinating ways in which some humans and animals use their bodies to deceive and manipulate others. She examines the evolutionary advantages of body language and facial expressions, as well as the ways in which these forms of communication can be used to convey false information or manipulate social interactions.

Throughout Adorning Bodies, Johnson employs a rich and interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon a wide range of sources and perspectives to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of meaning in bodies. Her book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which our bodies, our clothing, and our cultural contexts intersect, shaping the ways in which we perceive and interpret the world around us.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350301306