In this insightful conversation, Richard Kearney, a prominent philosopher and author, reveals the profound significance of touch in our lives. He discusses its historical neglect in philosophy compared to vision and underscores its essential role in emotional connections, personal development, and identity. Kearney highlights how touch shapes our understanding of the world, particularly in the context of trauma and healing. He also advocates for a new relationship with the Earth, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of touch in fostering meaningful connections.
The symbolism of touch, as illustrated by Michelangelo's fresco, reveals our innate longing for divine connection and emotional intimacy.
Touch has historically been downplayed in philosophy, yet it is essential for confirming our existence and enhancing our relational experiences.
The duality of touch impacts trauma recovery, showing its potential for healing while also addressing the societal barriers to affectionate gestures.
Deep dives
The Symbolism and Reality of Touch
The discussion emphasizes the profound symbolism of touch, illustrated through Michelangelo's fresco of Adam and God in the Sistine Chapel. This image raises questions about the nature of divine interaction and human longing, symbolizing not just the physical act but also the deeper emotional connections and desires that touch evokes. The gap between Adam and God serves as a metaphor for humanity's search for divine connection, highlighting that touch is not merely physical contact but a profound relational experience. The desire to connect, contrasted with the fear of the divine, points to an innate longing for intimacy and understanding through touch.
The Importance of Touch in Human Experience
The podcast explores the significance of touch, often overshadowed by other senses in philosophical discourse. Historically, touch was largely ignored until phenomenology revived its importance, recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of human existence. Touch serves as a means of confirming our physicality and existence, contrasting the experience of being touched with the more abstract senses like sight and sound. The discussion underscores the necessity for deeper contemplation of touch as a vital, reciprocal sense that influences our bodily interactions with the world.
Touch, Trauma, and Healing
The conversation addresses how trauma can sever the natural inclination towards touch, leading to an existential crisis in affected individuals. For those with traumatic histories, whether due to violence or loss, the act of touch may evoke fear rather than comfort, complicating relationships and self-identity. The healing potential of touch is highlighted, where reconnecting with physical sensations can aid in emotional recovery, as seen in therapies like equine and art therapy. This duality of touch—capable of both causing harm and fostering healing—demands thoughtful engagement in therapeutic settings.
The Role of Touch in Social and Cultural Contexts
Touch is framed as a pivotal yet often neglected element in societal interactions, influencing dynamics in personal relationships and broader cultural contexts. The discussion reflects on how societal norms around masculinity discourage affectionate touch, creating barriers to healthy emotional exchanges. Historical examples, such as pivotal moments of peace achieved through physical contact, demonstrate the transformative potential of touch in human interactions. The narrative suggests that fostering a more touch-oriented culture can address contemporary social divides and enhance connections among individuals.
Philosophy, Touch, and the Environment
The implications of touch extend beyond personal interaction to encompass environmental relationships, framing them through a lens of symbiosis. The need to address the climate crisis is emphasized, advocating for a philosophy of touch that recognizes humanity's interconnectedness with the Earth. This symbiotic understanding reinforces the argument that hospitality should be mutual between humans and nature, as embodied in the notion of 'hosting Earth.' Such a perspective invites a re-evaluation of how we engage with our environment, urging a return to a tactile and responsible interaction with the world around us.
In this episode of WHY: Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, host Jack Russell Weinstein speaks with Richard Kearney, a distinguished philosopher and author of Touch: Recovering Our Most Vital Sense.
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