The Symptom and the Subject

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Exploring the evolution of the physical body in Western thought, this book traces its emergence as both an object of knowledge and a part of the self, starting with Homer and continuing through classical medical texts and early ethical philosophy. Brooke Holmes challenges conventional narratives about body-soul dualism in ancient Greece, revealing how the study of the body transformed perceptions of suffering, the soul, and human nature. This work offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between physical inquiry and philosophical ideas in ancient Greece.