A Theory of the Embodied Nature of Religion

Nikkel proposes a theory of the biological and embodied nature of religion. This theory rests upon two premises: Human (and all animal) embodiment places a sentient organism in a meaningful environment, that is, correlates an autopoietic self with a meaningful environment; here "meaning: entail...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of religion Vol. 99; no. 2; pp. 137 - 172
Main Author Nikkel, David
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Chicago The University of Chicago Press 01.04.2019
University of Chicago, acting through its Press
Subjects
Aesthetics
Cultural history
Embodiment
Physical anthropology
Religious history
Religious studies
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Nikkel proposes a theory of the biological and embodied nature of religion. This theory rests upon two premises: Human (and all animal) embodiment places a sentient organism in a meaningful environment, that is, correlates an autopoietic self with a meaningful environment; here "meaning: entails both cognition and value, this latter involving some affect and an aesthetic dimension. Another is, all human meanings are embodied, including cultural meanings based upon language. Thus, human beings are radically embodied. His project in some ways parallels the work of anthropologist Thomas Csordas, as he postulates that the body is not an object to be studied in relation to culture, but is to be considered as the subject of culture, or in other words as the existential ground of culture.
ISSN:0022-4189
1549-6538
DOI:10.1086/702240