Richard Shusterman

Richard Shusterman, born on December 3, 1949, is a prominent American pragmatist philosopher, recognized for his significant contributions to the fields of philosophical aesthetics and the emerging discipline of somaesthetics. Currently, he serves as the Dorothy F. Schmidt Eminent Scholar in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy at Florida Atlantic University, where he also directs the Center for Body, Mind, and Culture. Shusterman's academic journey began in Philadelphia, after which he moved to Israel at age 16 to pursue his education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees magna cum laude in English and Philosophy before undertaking doctoral studies in philosophy at St. John's College, Oxford University, under the supervision of J. O. Urmson. His early work focused on analytic philosophy, culminating in his doctoral dissertation, 'The Object of Literary Criticism,' published in 1984. A pivotal shift occurred in 1988 with the publication of 'T. S. Eliot and the Philosophy of Criticism,' marking his turn towards pragmatism, influenced by John Dewey's aesthetics but augmented by analytic philosophy's methods. His 1992 book, 'Pragmatist Aesthetics,' brought him international acclaim, translated into numerous languages and solidifying his reputation. Subsequent works like 'Practicing Philosophy,' 'Performing Live,' and 'Surface and Depth' further developed his pragmatist theories. In 'Practicing Philosophy,' Shusterman introduced his concept of 'somaesthetics,' a field dedicated to the critical study of the body's experience and use, which he elaborated in 'Performing Live' and subsequent books. Somaesthetics aims to bridge the gap between philosophical inquiry and practical somatic experience, influencing various academic disciplines and professional practices. Shusterman's work is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, engaging with continental sociology, philosophy, Western body therapies, and East Asian thought. He has also been involved in various public and international projects, including UNESCO initiatives focused on philosophy, democracy, and intercultural dialogue. His career reflects a deep engagement with diverse philosophical traditions and a commitment to integrating theoretical insights with practical application, particularly concerning the body and its lived experience.