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The body: from an immateriality to another

J Benoist1, P Cathebras

  • 1Laboratoire d'écologie humaine, UPR 221 du CNRS, Aix en Provence, France.

Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|April 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Human beings possess a dual immateriality, encompassing spiritual beliefs and a non-supernatural essence. This inherent aspect resists purely biological definitions of the body, affirming human freedom and specificity.

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Area of Science:

  • Anthropology
  • Sociology
  • Philosophy of Medicine

Background:

  • Traditional anthropology recognizes an immaterial aspect of the human body related to the soul and societal connections.
  • Biomedical and totalitarian perspectives often reduce the human person to their biological body, a concept widely rejected.
  • Contemporary healing practices reveal a tension between accepting biological knowledge and rejecting a purely biological view of the self.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the concept of immateriality in relation to the human body.
  • To analyze the human resistance to biological reductionism.
  • To understand the implications of this resistance for human freedom and specificity.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of anthropological, philosophical, and medical literature.
  • Examination of contemporary healing practices and societal attitudes towards the body.
  • Comparative study of different conceptions of the human body across cultures and historical periods.

Main Results:

  • Identifies two levels of immateriality: the supernatural (soul) and a natural, non-divine aspect.
  • Highlights the persistent human rejection of purely biological definitions of selfhood.
  • Demonstrates how this rejection is evident in medical contexts and broader societal views.

Conclusions:

  • The human body is consistently perceived as more than its biological components.
  • A 'not divine immateriality' can be reconciled with scientific understanding.
  • Acknowledging this immateriality is crucial for preserving human freedom and distinctiveness.

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