Psychosomatic

Feminism and the Neurological Body

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Neuropsychology, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Feminism & Feminist Theory
Cover of the book Psychosomatic by Elizabeth A. Wilson, Duke University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Elizabeth A. Wilson ISBN: 9780822386384
Publisher: Duke University Press Publication: June 16, 2004
Imprint: Duke University Press Books Language: English
Author: Elizabeth A. Wilson
ISBN: 9780822386384
Publisher: Duke University Press
Publication: June 16, 2004
Imprint: Duke University Press Books
Language: English

How can scientific theories contribute to contemporary accounts of embodiment in the humanities and social sciences? In particular, how does neuroscientific research facilitate new approaches to theories of mind and body? Feminists have frequently criticized the neurosciences for biological reductionism, yet, Elizabeth A. Wilson argues, neurological theories—especially certain accounts of depression, sexuality, and emotion—are useful to feminist theories of the body. Rather than pointing toward the conventionalizing tendencies of the neurosciences, Wilson emphasizes their capacity for reinvention and transformation. Focusing on the details of neuronal connections, subcortical pathways, and reflex actions, she suggests that the central and peripheral nervous systems are powerfully allied with sexuality, the affects, emotional states, cognitive appetites, and other organs and bodies in ways not fully appreciated in the feminist literature. Whether reflecting on Simon LeVay’s hypothesis about the brains of gay men, Peter Kramer’s model of depression, or Charles Darwin’s account of trembling and blushing, Wilson is able to show how the neurosciences can be used to reinvigorate feminist theories of the body.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How can scientific theories contribute to contemporary accounts of embodiment in the humanities and social sciences? In particular, how does neuroscientific research facilitate new approaches to theories of mind and body? Feminists have frequently criticized the neurosciences for biological reductionism, yet, Elizabeth A. Wilson argues, neurological theories—especially certain accounts of depression, sexuality, and emotion—are useful to feminist theories of the body. Rather than pointing toward the conventionalizing tendencies of the neurosciences, Wilson emphasizes their capacity for reinvention and transformation. Focusing on the details of neuronal connections, subcortical pathways, and reflex actions, she suggests that the central and peripheral nervous systems are powerfully allied with sexuality, the affects, emotional states, cognitive appetites, and other organs and bodies in ways not fully appreciated in the feminist literature. Whether reflecting on Simon LeVay’s hypothesis about the brains of gay men, Peter Kramer’s model of depression, or Charles Darwin’s account of trembling and blushing, Wilson is able to show how the neurosciences can be used to reinvigorate feminist theories of the body.

More books from Duke University Press

Cover of the book Obscene Things by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Durham County by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book A Deleuzian Century? by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Bounded Lives, Bounded Places by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Creating Market Socialism by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Creative License by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Indigenous Development in the Andes by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Religion and the Making of Nigeria by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Foundlings by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Reconstructing Dixie by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Global/Local by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Fair Sex, Savage Dreams by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Israel/Palestine and the Queer International by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book The Encyclopedia of Duke Basketball by Elizabeth A. Wilson
Cover of the book Empire Burlesque by Elizabeth A. Wilson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy