Foucault's Aesthetics of Existence and Shusterman's Somaesthetics

This critical comparison explores the philosophies of Foucault and Shusterman, highlighting their relevance to contemporary issues and the significance of the body in their theories.

This volume brings together the aesthetics of existence as articulated by Michel Foucault and Richard Shusterman's concept of somaesthetics. The editors, Stefano Marino and Valentina Antoniol, provide a thorough introduction that sets the stage for a critical comparison of these two influential philosophical frameworks that have shaped thought in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Through a series of chapters contributed by international scholars, the text delves into the similarities and differences between Foucault’s and Shusterman’s approaches, encouraging readers to engage with the nuances of each philosophy.

A key focus of this work is the interdisciplinary nature of both aesthetics of existence and somaesthetics. The contributors explore a variety of topics, including self-care, the social self, and the ethical and political challenges that arise from issues like white ignorance and the construction of resistances. The book also emphasizes the significance of the body in both philosophical perspectives, dedicating attention to the philosophy of sexuality, which is integral to understanding the implications of these theories in contemporary contexts.

Foucault's Aesthetics of Existence and Shusterman's Somaesthetics demonstrates the richness of reading these two thinkers in tandem. By adopting radical interpretive perspectives, the volume reveals the ongoing relevance and potentialities of their theories, inviting readers to reconsider their implications for current societal challenges and personal experiences.