Hegel and Bichat on Symmetry and Life
Between Physiology, Aesthetics and Freedom
Keywords:
Xavier Bichat, G.W.F. Hegel, Animal Life, Organic Life, FreedomAbstract
Drawing from Bichat’s distinction between the asymmetrical organic life and the symmetrical animal life of the living individual, Hegel introduces an element of freedom through dissymmetry. This element points toward a new norm of life which transcend its strictly natural, organic and physiological dimension to emerge as this life of spirit (Leben des Geistes) which defines itself through the autonomy of human agency. But the importance of Bichat does not limit itself to the sphere of physiology and the issue of life within Hegel’s Philosophy of nature. Hegel also draws important conclusions from Bichat’s distinction and the issue of symmetry for his aesthetic theory.
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