The history of Western scientific and philosophical thought with regard to the human body is marked by a fascination for establishing the parameters of an ideal body shape. During the nineteenth century physiognomy and cosmetic surgery both took inspiration from the illusion of perfect geometrization of the body and its parameterization. This article analyzes how the medical legitimation of cosmetic surgery, based on deviations from ideal forms, produces the body as an object operable in potentia, in physician-patient interactions and in media discourse.
Ghigi R. (2009). La medicalizzazione della bruttezza. SALUTE E SOCIETÀ, 2/2009, 75-85.
La medicalizzazione della bruttezza
GHIGI, ROSSELLA
2009
Abstract
The history of Western scientific and philosophical thought with regard to the human body is marked by a fascination for establishing the parameters of an ideal body shape. During the nineteenth century physiognomy and cosmetic surgery both took inspiration from the illusion of perfect geometrization of the body and its parameterization. This article analyzes how the medical legitimation of cosmetic surgery, based on deviations from ideal forms, produces the body as an object operable in potentia, in physician-patient interactions and in media discourse.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
