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Bodies in Translation: Science, Knowledge and Sustainability in Cultural Translation

In this project, we investigate various cultural and epistemic translation practices where sustainable health and the human body serve as a boundary object between natural and cultural forms of knowledge

An old drawing of a family with a father, a mother and child.

Illustration from Jean de Léry. "Histoire d'un voyage fait en la terre de Brésil" (1578). Wikimedia Commons.

About the project

Translation is often viewed in entirely discursive terms. In the history and theory of science and cross-cultural inquiry, however, questions concerning the understanding of knowledge from different disciplines, places and times have long been associated with “translation”.

In this project, we look at how knowledge about health and bodies are understood and conveyed in different cultural settings.

We investigate various cultural and epistemic translation practices where sustainable health and the human body serve as a boundary objects between natural and cultural forms of knowledge.

We examine 

  • case studies relating to the nature-culture distinction in early modern history 
  • cross-cultural questions about the understanding of nature, bodies and spirits in indigenous cosmologies 
  • notions of planetary health and the Amazon

Project description (pdf)

Financing

The Research Council of Norway. Grant. nr. 315928.

Cooperation

SHE - Centre for Sustainable Healthcare Education.

Duration

2021.08.01 - 2025.07.31.

 

External project page

 

Published June 24, 2021 1:19 PM - Last modified Jan. 17, 2024 1:06 PM

Contact

Project leader:

John Ødemark

Participants

Detailed list of participants