Natascha Frechen MFA

"What role do objects play in the philosophical discourses of the soul and the body?

The concepts of the soul by Plato and Aristotle have played an important role in the philosophical discourse and the understanding of the world of mankind and still influence our thinking until today. Likewise, our conception of the world is influenced by these theories. 

The soul is defined as our inner self, the sensible aspect, as well as the reflective centre of man. It is the presence of the soul that breathes life into a body. 

The body on the one hand is connected to the soul and to the immaterial world, on the other hand is connected to the material aspect of our being. The body is the empirical medium through which we perceive and influence the external world. The body represents the reference system to the environment, which is understood through sensual experiences and perception. Sensual experiences are of essential importance for our understanding of the world, which is in a constant interrelation with the inside and the outside - an interplay of body, soul and environment.

The results of our actions reflect on our physical being, as well as on our soul. All experiences are made as physical beings, so a separation of the soul from the body is inconceivable, since we are inseparable connected with the body.

The relationship to our body is both instrumental and constitutive: the body that I have and the body that I am. In feeling something else, we feel ourselves. Through the senses it becomes possible to experience and at the same time to create the world. Under our hands and eyes, the world becomes existent by giving it form and meaning.

Objects, created by human hands, represent our medium of expression, which arises from our mental imagination, influenced by our sensual experiences. Expressing ourselves in objects combines different aspects of our identity as human being. Objects that are not only created to serve a certain purpose. In ritual objects and jewellery, for example, our need for expression and communication is shown. Moreover, in the social and societal context, they serve to maintain social structures. Objects are the medium of expression. connect us with the material world as well as the immaterial world. Objects can contain emotions, transform immaterial aspects, such as thoughts into the material world. They occupy an intermediate position between the material world in that they are created from matter but charged with the immateriality of the meaning we give them. As a unifying element of an immaterial relationship as they can save sensual memories from being forgotten. It implies a symbolic connection with a person who is linked to the object. In objects the human desire for immortality is shown. Objects also have an imperishable aspect, as they continue to exist while the body passes away. Through objects we express our subjectivity, our attachment to the material world and our participation in it, as well as our desire to connect with it."

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