Body Consciousness: A Philosophy of Mindfulness and Somaesthetics
Journal of Speculative Philosophy January 1, 2008 Cynthia Gayman 440 citations
This review article examines Richard Shusterman's 2008 book 'Body Consciousness: A Philosophy of Mindfulness and Somaesthetics', which argues for a philosophy that integrates bodily experience into conscious awareness, challenging Cartesian dualism that separates mind from body. The reviewer discusses how Shusterman's concept of somaesthetics offers a framework for understanding the body as both a source of sensory experience and a site for self-cultivation. The work positions itself within the field of body studies and philosophy, proposing that mindful attention to bodily states can enhance human flourishing and knowledge.