Masculinity and the 'natural' body
Why did a philosopher go to a bodybuilding competition? In this Cambridge Festival talk, co-hosted by the Intellectual Forum, Prof Clare Chambers explores what bodybuilding shows us about masculinity.
We often refer to bodies and body parts as being ‘natural’. So, we use the ideas of natural hair, natural nails, natural makeup – and natural bodybuilding. But what does it mean to say that our bodies are ‘natural’, especially when we often put so much effort into changing them?
In this fascinating and accessible talk, Prof Clare Chambers, a Jesus College Fellow in Philosophy, explores what the history and current practice of bodybuilding shows us about masculinity, about the idea of nature, and about the philosophical and political significance of our bodies.
Please note that no recording of this talk will be made available after the event.
