| This study draws on the theoretical parallels between Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Pierre Bourdieu. It uses those parallels to demonstrate how placing embodiment at the center of their philosophies attempts to bridge the subject and object dichotomy. It also shows how embodied reason, through their formulation of embodied significance in lived experience with others, is extremely relevant in today's social issues. One way in which their theories can be applied and where much research is needed is the reintegration of Iraq and Afghanistan Gulf War II veterans into civilian society. Through Merleau-Ponty's concept of phenomenal body and Bourdieu's concept of habitus, embodied reason can provide a more holistic approach to war veteran reintegration. This approach can be used to develop programs that not only account for the current focus on veteran mental/physical health, education, and employment as inter-related objectives, but also to provide analysis and long term support in readjusting to civilian community life beyond psychiatric disorders and economic support. |
