Touch: Recovering Our Most Vital Sense

By Richard Kearney in May 2024

About this video

Runtime: 40 mins

Richard Kearney discusses the theology and philosophy of touch, exploring the debate between Plato and Aristotle. Plato considered touch the lowest sense and sight the highest, associating it with intellectual transcendence. Aristotle, however, argued that touch is the most universal and philosophical sense, as it exposes us to the world and others. Touch is a form of interpretation, mediating our experiences and making us vulnerable. This debate has influenced Western metaphysics, with Plato's privileging of sight often prevailing. However, contemporary philosophy and phenomenology emphasize the importance of touch, especially in our digital age, where physical touch is increasingly rare.

Subscribe now to watch this video

This video is only available to subscribers.

Background

Produced in May 2024. Provisional captions.

Categories:

Share:

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe to newsletter