Technique, practice, research: Foundations for an epistemology of embodiment in physical culture, performing arts, and everyday life
Item
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Title
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Technique, practice, research: Foundations for an epistemology of embodiment in physical culture, performing arts, and everyday life
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:c3ac3047d1b8:11878
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identifier
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12509
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Creator
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Spatz, Benjamin,
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Contributor
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Maurya Wickstrom
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Date
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2013
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Theater | Performing arts | Gender studies | Epistemology | actor training | gender | performance | physical culture | yoga
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Abstract
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This dissertation develops an epistemology of embodiment, or theory of embodied knowledge, based on a central thesis: technique is the knowledge that structures practice. Drawing on critical perspectives from the sociology of knowledge, phenomenology, dance studies, queer theory, and other fields, I argue that technique is a major area of historical and ongoing research in physical culture (e.g., postural yoga and somatic bodywork); performing arts (e.g., dance and actor training); and everyday life (e.g., gender). Technique---from the Greek techne---is contrasted with related concepts like habitus, performance, and performativity, which do not necessarily suggest such an epistemological perspective. I argue that a more rigorous epistemology of embodiment may help us to understand research projects in each of these areas, as well as to frame new ones. This argument has immediate relevance to discussions of the relationship between theory and practice in academia, including the debate around "Practice as Research.".
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Theatre
