Experiencing the Body in Order to Enrich the Spirit

Abstract

The perception of the body by man, is a main topic for humans in every age and culture. Our objective is to review few points from the past and to discuss what is occurring now. Doing so, we hope understand what could be the dangers for present generations, and more importantly, to discern some of the opportunities. First we will look how body is perceived as raw material to be handled with care, being ‘by definition’ complex and dangerous. In a second phase we will see how human body acquire subjective legitimacy. Then we will observe the more complex stage that occurs when the individual wins sole ownership of his/her body and embarks upon the search for meaning. Lastly, we will attempt to describe the possible path in which the philosophy of leisure and culture of the body offer the individual a process towards personal harmony.