Embodied knowledge

Definition

Embodied knowledge refers to the understanding and skills that are acquired through physical experience and practice rather than through abstract reasoning. It emphasizes the connection between the body, mind, and environment, showcasing how our lived experiences influence what we know and how we interact with the world around us. This type of knowledge is particularly relevant in arts-based research, where the creative process itself becomes a means of inquiry and understanding.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Embodied knowledge is often expressed through movement, gesture, or artistic expression, highlighting how physical actions can convey meaning.
2. In arts-based research, embodied knowledge plays a crucial role in shaping both the research process and outcomes, allowing for deeper insights into human experiences.
3. This type of knowledge is often difficult to articulate verbally, making it essential for artists and researchers to find alternative ways to represent their understanding.
4. Embodied knowledge can challenge traditional academic frameworks by valuing experiential learning and personal interpretation over purely theoretical concepts.
5. The exploration of embodied knowledge can lead to new forms of representation in research, emphasizing creativity as a legitimate way of knowing.

Review Questions

• How does embodied knowledge influence the methods used in arts-based research?
  • Embodied knowledge significantly shapes the methods in arts-based research by prioritizing physical experience as a source of insight. Researchers often engage in creative practices that allow them to explore their own lived experiences, leading to richer data collection. This hands-on approach enables them to gather knowledge that is nuanced and rooted in real-world interactions, rather than relying solely on abstract theories.
• Discuss the relationship between embodied knowledge and phenomenology within the context of arts-based research.
  • The relationship between embodied knowledge and phenomenology in arts-based research is deeply intertwined, as both emphasize individual experience. Phenomenology focuses on understanding how people perceive and interpret their realities, while embodied knowledge highlights how these perceptions are influenced by physical interactions. Together, they encourage researchers to consider not only what individuals think but also how their bodies engage with their environment, leading to a holistic understanding of human experience.
• Evaluate the implications of prioritizing embodied knowledge over traditional theoretical frameworks in arts-based research.
  • Prioritizing embodied knowledge over traditional theoretical frameworks has significant implications for arts-based research. It shifts the focus from abstract reasoning to lived experience, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes valid knowledge. This approach promotes inclusivity by recognizing diverse forms of expression and understanding. Furthermore, it encourages researchers to innovate in their methodologies, potentially leading to new insights and transformative practices that resonate more deeply with participants and audiences alike.

Related terms

Phenomenology: A philosophical approach that focuses on the subjective experience of individuals, emphasizing how consciousness and perception shape our understanding of reality.

Artistic Inquiry: A method of investigation that uses artistic practices as a means of exploring and generating knowledge, often blending creative processes with academic research.

Participatory Art: An art practice that involves the active participation of audiences or communities, allowing them to engage in the creation and meaning-making process.