Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 14:33:52 -0600
From: cpevey-AT-uts.cc.utexas.edu (Carolyn Pevey)
Subject: Re: Using Pierre: embodiment


Hi Mikael,


>> I am wondering what I will find out about the importance of bodily 
>> transcendance 
>
>    what is that??


You know this I'm sure.  It is the idea, especially in Becker's _Denial of 
Death_, that our bodies frighten us with the knowledge of our mortality, or 
in some theology...the knowledge of our sinfulness.  This is supposed to 
drive us to attempt transcendance (movement beyond our bodies) through the 
intellect, especially, or the spirit.  I think of it (crudely, I admit) as 
the idea that we are trying to run away from our bodies.  


>> If anyone can help me better understand exactly what Bourdieu is 
>saying about embodiment, I will be grateful.
>> 
>> 
>> So far, I see only that he's saying that our bodies are inscribed with the 
>> social.  Profound enough, but is there more?
>> 
>
>    Good question; and how exactly are the terms "body", "bodily", 
>"embodied" etc. applied in B- and B-inspired terminology? 


I am quite the Bourdieu novice, but I think he's being literal.


>    Sorry if these questions have been debated already since the 
>original posting. 


Oh no!  I would be delighted to see a debate about this topic here, 
especially by people who know the issues really well.

Best Wishes,
Carolyn