Science Incarnate – Historical Embodiments of Natural Knowledge

This book explores the connections between bodily experiences and intellectual authority, examining figures like Descartes and Darwin to reveal how physicality shapes knowledge.

In Science Incarnate – Historical Embodiments of Natural Knowledge, the author delves into the intricate relationship between the human body and the pursuit of knowledge from the 17th century to the present. The text examines how intellectuals have historically sought to elevate the value and authority of their ideas through the public presentation of their private lives. By analyzing the lives and practices of key figures such as Rene Descartes, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Ada Lovelace, the book highlights the ways in which personal habits and bodily experiences have been intertwined with intellectual achievement.

The concept of 'disembodied knowledge' has long been associated with objective truth, yet this work challenges that notion by exploring the specific images we have of the bodies that harbor great minds. The author poses thought-provoking questions about the relevance of physicality in the pursuit of knowledge. For instance, does the way Einstein rode a bicycle or Darwin's flatulence play a role in our understanding of their intellectual contributions? By bringing together body and knowledge, Science Incarnate offers historical insights into the complex dynamics between physicality and intellectual authority.

This book is not just a historical account; it engages with contemporary discussions about the nature of knowledge production. It weaves together elements of history, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology to provide a comprehensive view of how bodily experiences shape intellectual discourse. By examining patterns of living, the author reveals how these aspects have been perceived as indicators of intellectual virtue and integrity throughout history.