Developing a personal philosophy of life often involves exploring complex ideas and perspectives. One such idea is Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s concept of the body as subject, which plays a pivotal role in his philosophical framework. Understanding this concept is essential, as it can profoundly influence how we shape and refine our own philosophy of life. This article aims to examine Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy, explain the concept of the body as subject, and highlight its importance in the context of philosophical self-development.
Key features of Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy
Maurice Merleau-Ponty was a French philosopher known for his contributions to phenomenology, a branch of philosophy that focuses on human experience and perception. One of his key ideas was the importance of the body in understanding the world. Unlike other philosophers who emphasized the mind, Merleau-Ponty argued that our body plays a central role in how we experience reality. He believed that we don’t just see the world through our eyes or think about it with our minds; we interact with it and perceive it as embodied beings.
Another important idea in his philosophy is the concept of “lived experience.” Merleau-Ponty described how we understand the world not as isolated individuals but as part of a shared, dynamic environment. This means our experiences are always influenced by our interactions with others and the spaces around us. He also emphasized ambiguity, pointing out that human life often resists clear categories and definitions.
Through these ideas, Merleau-Ponty challenged traditional thinking about the separation of mind and body, as well as subject and object. His work has influenced many fields beyond philosophy, including psychology, art, and even architecture, making his ideas relevant to how we think about perception and experience in everyday life.
What is the body as subject?
Maurice Merleau-Ponty viewed the body as central to our understanding of the world, positioning it as more than just an object among other objects. He argued that the body is not simply something we have, but something we are. For Merleau-Ponty, the body is the medium through which we experience and engage with the world. It is not separate from perception but is intertwined with it, as the body is always actively involved in shaping how we see, feel, and interact with our surroundings. Rather than seeing the body as a passive instrument controlled by the mind, Merleau-Ponty claimed that the body itself has an intentionality — it directs our actions and connects us to the world in meaningful ways. This view challenges traditional dualistic thinking that separates mind and body. Instead, he proposed a more integrated perspective, where the body serves as the foundation of all our experiences. By being both perceiver and participant, the body allows us to be fully immersed in the fabric of existence.
This example helps to demonstrate the essence of this philosophical perspective. Imagine a pianist who has practiced for years. Over time, the piano is no longer just an object but becomes an extension of the pianist’s body. Their fingers glide over the keys effortlessly, guided not by conscious thought but by an embodied understanding that comes through their years of experience. The motions feel natural, as though the music flows directly from their being rather than being calculated in steps. This seamless connection between the body and the instrument reflects a lived experience where the body is central to engaging with and interpreting the world. The pianist doesn’t need to think explicitly about where to place their hands—they simply know. This example captures the intuitive and integrated relationship at the heart of the body-subject philosophy, emphasizing the deeply intertwined nature of physicality and perception.
Challenges to Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s view about the body as subject
Some philosophers have objected to or rejected Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s view of the body as subject for a variety of reasons. One common critique stems from the perceived lack of clarity and precision in his arguments. Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy is heavily tied to phenomenology, which prioritizes lived experience and subjective perspectives. Critics argue that this approach often leads to ambiguity, making it difficult to form concrete philosophical claims or to apply his ideas in a systematic way. For philosophers who value analytic rigor or objective frameworks, Merleau-Ponty’s emphasis on subjective embodiment can feel vague or overly abstract.
Another reason some philosophers disagree with his views is the concern that focusing so deeply on the body as the central subject might undermine or overlook the role of other elements, such as societal structures, cultural norms, or the mind’s cognitive functions. Philosophers influenced by structuralism or post-structuralism, for example, argue that Merleau-Ponty does not sufficiently address the ways larger systems and external forces shape an individual’s experience of the world. This critique suggests that his ideas may lean too heavily toward individual embodiment, neglecting the relational and systemic factors that effectively shape subjectivity.
Additionally, some thinkers critique his rejection of Cartesian dualism—the idea that the mind and body are separate substances. While Merleau-Ponty’s rejection of dualism resonates with many, there are those who believe his alternative framework doesn’t adequately replace this long-standing philosophical distinction. They worry that by blurring the line between mind and body, Merleau-Ponty risks erasing the nuances of mental processes, making it harder to explore concepts like rationality, creativity, or consciousness in isolation.
Finally, some critics view Merleau-Ponty’s ideas as overly idealistic, arguing that they cannot fully account for situations where the body becomes an obstacle, such as physical disabilities or illness. These critics suggest that his philosophy might fail to address the realities of individuals who experience their bodies not as empowering subjects but as sources of limitation or suffering. For them, his concept of the body as subject can feel incomplete or lacking practical relevance in these contexts.
By focusing on these issues, critics offer alternative perspectives that either challenge or seek to expand upon Merleau-Ponty’s views. While his ideas have been highly influential, they continue to spark complex philosophical dialogues about the nature of the body and subjectivity.
Why the body as subject is important to Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy
These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of the body as a subject is essential to understanding Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy.
- Connection Between Perception and Experience
The idea of the body as subject emphasizes the integral role of perception in shaping human experience. Our bodies are not just passive objects in the world but active participants in how we perceive and engage with our surroundings. This understanding shifts attention to how physical sensations and bodily movements influence our experiences. It highlights the importance of the body as a medium through which we understand and relate to the world, integrating physical responses and lived experiences into a unified whole.
- Unified Sense of Self
Viewing the body as subject fosters a deeper understanding of how individuals form a coherent sense of self. This perspective suggests that identity is not located purely in the mind or external perceptions but rather emerges through the interplay of bodily experience and consciousness. It underscores the importance of the body in grounding a person’s identity, showing how physical presence and interaction with the environment contribute to the formation of who we are.
- Interconnectedness Between Body and World
This concept highlights the deep connection between the body and its environment. The body is not isolated but interacts constantly with the world, shaping and being shaped by external factors. This interconnectedness suggests that to fully understand human experience, one must consider how the body responds to and engages with its context, blurring the lines between internal and external realities.
- Role of Embodiment in Communication
The body as subject draws attention to how communication is deeply tied to bodily gestures, expressions, and movements. It is through the body that individuals convey meaning, emotions, and intentions, often more powerfully than through words alone. Recognizing this reinforces the idea that embodiment is central to human interaction, providing a richer understanding of social and interpersonal connections.
- Practical Implications for Understanding Action
The idea encourages a rethinking of action as initiating from the body, not merely the mind. Actions are not abstract but are rooted in physicality, stemming from the body’s interaction with the world. This view emphasizes that to comprehend how people act and make decisions, it is crucial to account for the bodily experiences and physical situations that influence those actions. This leads to a more practical and grounded approach to studying human behaviour.
Contrasting Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy with Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy
Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s view of the body as subject sets his philosophy apart from Friedrich Nietzsche’s in fundamental ways, especially in how each thinker approaches the idea of experience and existence. While Merleau-Ponty emphasizes the body as the primary means through which we perceive and interact with the world, Nietzsche’s philosophy is more focused on the will to power and the individual’s creation of meaning in an endlessly evolving and chaotic existence. Nietzsche sees life as a process driven by overcoming and self-assertion, highlighting how individuals must harness their instincts and energies to create values in a world that lacks inherent order or morality.
The distinction lies in the role the body plays. For Merleau-Ponty, the body is central to our being-in-the-world, grounding all perception and experience in a physical, lived reality that connects us to the environment and others. Nietzsche, however, views the body more as an expression of life’s raw, dynamic forces—an instrument of power and vitality, tied to our instincts and impulses. While both philosophers break away from more traditional, detached understandings of the self, Merleau-Ponty offers a perspective rooted in embodied interaction, whereas Nietzsche places greater emphasis on individual will and creativity. This difference highlights the ways each thinker redefines human existence—Merleau-Ponty through relational embodiment and Nietzsche through the assertion of strength and autonomy.
The Body As Subject, Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy and the meaning of life
Reflecting on ideas like those of Maurice Merleau-Ponty can be incredibly valuable when striving to live a more meaningful life, regardless of whether you agree with his philosophy on the body as subject. What matters most is how such philosophical perspectives encourage us to consider our everyday experiences with greater depth. By reminding us to pay attention to the way we exist in and engage with the world, reflecting on these ideas can help ground us in the present moment and heighten our self-awareness.
Living a meaningful life often involves prioritizing experiences that feel authentic and fulfilling. When you stop to reflect on how you interact with the world around you, whether through movement, sensory engagement, or interpersonal connections, you may begin to see how deeply intertwined your body and mind are with your surroundings. This connection can bring a sense of purpose to everyday actions. For example, simply taking a walk outside or sharing a heartfelt conversation can feel more profound when approached with mindfulness and intentionality.
From a practical perspective, engaging with philosophical ideas like these can also encourage habits that foster personal growth. For instance, reflecting on the significance of being present in your body might inspire you to explore activities like yoga, dance, or meditation. These practices can help align your physical and mental well-being, creating a stronger sense of balance in your life. Similarly, taking time to focus on how your actions shape your relationships and environment can help you make decisions that reflect your values.
Ultimately, the importance of reflecting on Merleau-Ponty’s view—or any philosophical perspective—lies not in whether you agree, but in how this reflection impacts your personal journey. Engaging with these ideas invites introspection and self-discovery, enabling you to better understand the connection between your inner experiences and the world around you. Through this awareness, you can approach life in a way that feels more intentional, connected, and meaningful.
Further reading
Baldwin, T. E. (2004). Maurice Merleau-Ponty: Basic writings. Routledge.
Carman, T. (2008). Merleau-Ponty. Routledge.
Crowell, S. (2001). Husserl, Heidegger, and the space of meaning: Paths toward transcendental phenomenology. Synthese, 131(3), 423–439.
Gallagher, S. (2005). How the body shapes the mind. Clarendon Press.
Lefort, C. (1979). The adventure of the dialectic. Northwestern University Press.
Moran, D. (2000). Introduction to phenomenology. Routledge.
Merleau-Ponty, M. (1945/2012). Phenomenology of perception (D. A. Landes, Trans.). Routledge.
Schmidt, J. (1985). Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s existential phenomenology and the realisation of philosophy in post-modernism. Philosophy & Literature, 9(1), 45-60.
Shusterman, R. (2008). Body consciousness: A philosophy of mindfulness and somaesthetics. Cambridge University Press.
Weiss, G. (1999). Body images: Embodiment as intercorporeality. Routledge.
Zahavi, D. (2003). Husserl’s phenomenology. Stanford University Press.