Kinaesthesia in the Psychology, Philosophy and Culture of Human Experience

This accessible book explores the nature and importance of kinaesthesia,considering how action,agency, and movement intertwine and are fundamental in feeling embodied in the world. It discusses kinaesthesia through the framework of embodied cognition and outlines how contemporary discussion in psychology and phenomenology can inform our understanding of everyday experience. It also sketches a framework for full appreciation of the sense of movement in performance and cultural life, discussing how a sense of movement is central to one's agency.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This accessible book delves into the intricate nature and profound significance of kinaesthesia, exploring how action, agency, and movement intertwine to shape our sense of embodiment in the world. By bringing together psychological, philosophical, and cultural perspectives, the book examines the subjective experience of movement in a cross-disciplinary manner. It discusses kinaesthesia through the framework of embodied cognition, highlighting how contemporary discussions in psychology and phenomenology can enhance our understanding of everyday experiences. The book also presents a framework for fully appreciating the sense of movement in performance and cultural life, emphasizing how a profound connection to movement is essential to one's agency. Composed in four interconnected "movements," this book aims to present a cohesive and original argument for why movement matters, exemplified through the art of dance.

The first movement provides an introduction to the science of kinaesthesia and traces the historical development of the concept. It then delves into a discussion of current thought, informed by phenomenology and embodied cognition. The second movement explores the psychological and philosophical dimensions of the sense of movement, shedding light on the cognitive processes and subjective experiences associated with movement. The third movement turns to the culture of movement in dance and walking, examining how movement is embedded in artistic expression and social interactions. The fourth movement focuses on the pleasures of movement, emphasizing the social dimensions of movement in gesture and agency.

This comprehensive book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the psychology of movement, embodied cognition, performance studies, and the interplay between psychology and dance. It will also be of interest to students and practitioners of embodied movement and dance practice therapies. By delving into the complexities of kinaesthesia, this book offers a deeper understanding of the human experience and the role of movement in shaping our lives.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 223 x 144 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032435909