An Ethics of Embodiment: The Body as Object and Subject

Abstract

Most medical interventions are aimed at the body: the body in pain, the sick body, the infected body, the wounded body, the old body, the dysfunctioning body, the fat body, the paralyzed body, the disfigured body, the athletic body, the pregnant body etc. Medical practices intend to cure, nurse or enhance the body—whether it is sick, impaired, at risk, or healthy. They seek to prevent, release or alleviate physical suffering.