Center for Body, Mind and Culture Presents 'Bodies of Belief: Somaesthetics of Faith and Protest'

The Center for Body, Mind and Culture is hosting an international conference titled "Bodies of Belief: Somaesthetics of Faith and Protest" on Thursday, Jan. 29 and Friday, Jan. 30 in the Arts and Humanities building, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

This international and transdisciplinary conference will explore the complex connections between bodies and belief, and the diverse aspects and cultural meanings of food. Conference presenters include distinguished scholars from Austria, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Denmark, and Poland, as well as from Ivy League American universities. 

"Human bodies are shaped not only by their genetic endowment but also by the belief systems and values of the cultures in which we live," said Richard Shusterman, Ph.D., Dorothy F. Schmidt eminent scholar in the humanities and director of the Center for Body, Mind, and Culture. "Such belief systems range from unarticulated background assumptions to ritualized practices of worship and explicit doctrines that are enforced by social and political institutions. Our bodies of belief, however, are not confined to established social norms; they can express personal faith and commitment that challenge the cultural mainstream. The soma is also a site and weapon of protest.  Our conference will explore the ways that beliefs are embodied and contested in the cultures of religion, morality, politics, theatre, art, and even cuisine."

This is the 10th international conference of the Center for Body, Mind, and Culture since its founding in 2007. There is no conference registration fee, however advanced registration is advised. To register or for more information, visit www.fau.edu/bodymindculture/Conferences, or email bodymindculture@fau.edu.