The Routledge Handbook of Bodily Awareness

The Routledge Handbook of Bodily Awareness is a comprehensive reference source that explores bodily awareness, including its epistemology, metaphysics, historical issues, body representation, sensing, dynamics, pathology, and interaction. It features contributions from researchers across disciplines and an interdisciplinary introduction, making it valuable for philosophers, psychologists, cognitive scientists, sociologists, and related subjects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 554 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Bodily awareness is a captivating and enigmatic facet of human experience, serving as our earliest and most pervasive form of conscious awareness. It remains deeply personal, often overshadowed by the more public aspects of our lives. Throughout history, bodily awareness has played a pivotal role in the study of the mind and self-consciousness, and continues to be a central focus of philosophical and psychological research.

The Routledge Handbook of Bodily Awareness is an exceptional resource that delves into the depths of this intriguing subject. Comprising over thirty chapters authored by an international team of contributors, the Handbook is organized into seven distinct parts:

Epistemology and Metaphysics: This section explores the philosophical foundations of bodily awareness, examining questions such as the nature of knowledge, perception, and consciousness. It also examines the metaphysical implications of bodily experience, including issues related to identity, embodiment, and the relationship between the mind and the body.

Historical Issues: This section explores the historical development of bodily awareness, tracing its evolution from ancient philosophical and scientific perspectives to contemporary understandings. It examines the contributions of key figures and movements, such as Descartes, Kant, and Freud, and their impact on the study of bodily awareness.

Body Representation: This section examines how the body is represented in various forms of media, such as art, literature, and film. It explores the ways in which the body is depicted, interpreted, and manipulated, and considers the implications of these representations for our understanding of bodily awareness.

Sensing the Body: This section explores the sensory mechanisms that enable us to perceive and interact with our bodies. It examines the senses of touch, taste, smell, vision, and hearing, and considers the ways in which these senses shape our bodily experiences.

Dynamics: This section examines the physical and physiological processes that underlie bodily awareness. It explores the mechanisms of movement, sensation, and perception, and considers the ways in which these processes are influenced by environmental factors and individual differences.

Pathology: This section explores the pathological aspects of bodily awareness, including disorders such as pain, illness, and disability. It examines the ways in which these conditions affect our sense of self, our relationships with others, and our ability to engage with the world around us.

Interaction: This section explores the social and cultural dimensions of bodily awareness. It examines the ways in which our bodies are shaped by social norms, expectations, and stereotypes, and considers the ways in which these interactions shape our sense of self and our relationships with others.

In addition to these sections, the Handbook includes an interdisciplinary introduction that ties together the central themes of the Handbook with particular attention to the interplay between conceptual, technological, and empirical issues. The Handbook is designed to be accessible to readers with a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, including philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, sociology, and related fields.

The Routledge Handbook of Bodily Awareness is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and students interested in exploring the complex and multifaceted nature of bodily awareness. Its comprehensive coverage of topics and interdisciplinary approach make it an essential tool for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this fascinating subject.

Weight: 1480g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367337315