BODY IN RICHARD RORTY’S PRAGMATISM

Abstract:

The value ascribed to the expressions physical activity or bodily practices connects intimately to their epistemic reference about the body, focusing on physical Education itself - its specificity. Considering the implications that the body creates for Physical Education, this essay explores the notion of body in the Pragmatism of Richard Rorty (1931-2007) to understand the Rortyan-pragmatic perspective on the body and its implications for Physical Education. Among other aspects, our reading suggests understanding the body as contingent and not admitting teleological purposes, leaving it open to exploration and re-descriptions. The implication for Physical Education is the emphasis on social and political - rather than epistemological and ontological - criteria for creating actions and thoughts that are more fruitful for bodily education.

Keywords:
Body; Physical education; Pragmatism; Epistemology