Soul, Body, and Gender in Late Antiquity: Essays on Embodiment and Disembodiment

This interdisciplinary volume explores the concepts of dis/embodiment and im/materiality in Late Antique and early Christian culture and thought, drawing from gender studies, Late Antique philosophy, patristics, history of asceticism, and history of Indian philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 422 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This interdisciplinary volume explores the complex and multifaceted notions of disembodiment and immateriality in Late Antique and early Christian culture and thought, drawing upon a wide range of disciplines such as gender studies, Late Antique philosophy, patristics, history of asceticism, and history of Indian philosophy. By examining these themes from various perspectives, the book seeks to shed light on the ways in which these concepts shaped the religious, social, and intellectual landscapes of the time.

In the Late Antique and early Christian periods, profound transformations occurred in the understanding of the human body and its relationship to the divine. The rise of asceticism and the emphasis on spiritual purification led to a heightened awareness of the body's limitations and its potential for transgression. At the same time, the emergence of new religious movements, such as Christianity, challenged traditional notions of embodiment and materiality by promoting the idea of a spiritual realm that transcended the physical world.

Gender studies provide valuable insights into the ways in which these developments impacted women and men differently. Women, who were often marginalized and excluded from religious and intellectual life, were particularly affected by the notion of disembodiment. As ascetic practices became more prevalent, women were pressured to renounce their physical bodies and focus on spiritual pursuits, leading to a loss of their social and economic power. However, some women also embraced asceticism as a means of asserting their independence and gaining greater control over their lives.

Late Antique philosophy, particularly the work of Plotinus and Porphyry, played a crucial role in shaping the understanding of disembodiment. Plotinus, in his Enneads, argued that the soul is the true essence of the human being, and the body is merely a temporary vessel that serves as a means of communication between the soul and the divine. Porphyry, on the other hand, believed that the body is the source of all knowledge and that the soul is merely a reflection of the body's essence.

Patristics, the study of early Christian writings, also contributed to the exploration of disembodiment and immateriality. The writings of St. Augustine, for example, emphasized the importance of the body as a means of spiritual growth and transformation. He argued that the body is not evil in itself, but it can be corrupted by sin. St. Paul, in his letters to the Corinthians, also emphasized the importance of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

The history of asceticism provides a rich source of information on the experiences of individuals who sought to transcend the physical world through self-discipline and meditation. Ascetics, such as St. Anthony of the Desert and St. Paul the Hermit, lived in remote areas and practiced extreme forms of asceticism, such as fasting, prayer, and self-mortification. Their experiences led them to develop a profound understanding of the body's limitations and the need for spiritual purification.

The history of Indian philosophy, particularly the Vedas and the Upanishads, also offers valuable insights into the notions of disembodiment and immateriality. The Vedas, for example, emphasize the importance of the soul as the ultimate reality and the body as a mere instrument of the soul. The Upanishads, on the other hand, explore the nature of the mind and the relationship between the mind and the body.

In conclusion, this interdisciplinary volume examines the complex and multifaceted notions of disembodiment and immateriality in Late Antique and early Christian culture and thought. By drawing upon a wide range of disciplines, the book seeks to shed light on the ways in which these concepts shaped the religious, social, and intellectual landscapes of the time. The study of disembodiment and immateriality provides valuable insights into the human experience and the search for meaning and transcendence. It also highlights the ways in which gender, religion, and philosophy intersect to shape our understanding of the world.

Weight: 966g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367744274