Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
#bodyknowledge and #4E #Cognition with Shay Welch and Elena Cuffari
*We had some internet issues, audio only is here if you prefer that: pod.link/YZLzbj*
Elena Clare Cuffari is a Professor at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. Shay Welch is a professor at Spelman College in Atlanta. In this episode, they discuss embodied cognition and participatory sensemaking in relation to marginalized body epistemologies. They share insights from a recent conference that brought together diverse perspectives on how embodied cognition intersects with issues of race, gender, and activism. Welch emphasizes that she never separates her scholarship from her personal life, seeing philosophy as inherently connected to her lived experience. Cuffari highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of her work with colleagues, which seeks to challenge traditional philosophical boundaries. They address the challenges of integrating marginalized voices into academic fields and the importance of recognizing the body's knowledge. The conversation also touches on the discomfort that arises in both academic and social contexts when established norms are challenged, and how this requires responsibility beyond blame.
00:00 Building a Community for Philosophical Dialogue
02:02 Introduction to Embodied Cognition and Participatory Sensemaking
02:22 Exploring Personal Philosophical Interests
04:11 Defining Embodied Cognition and Participatory Sensemaking
08:08 The Roots and Relevance of Embodied Cognition
15:14 Challenges in Academia and Marginalized Philosophies
28:51 The Concept of Normalcy in Philosophy and Society
37:17 Addressing Misunderstandings in Philosophy
39:34 Inclusivity and Change in Philosophy
43:18 Discomfort and Openness in Philosophical Inquiry
49:44 Marginalized Body Epistemologies
01:01:43 The Intersection of Philosophy and Personal Experience
01:05:57 Reflections on the Conference and Future Directions
Substack page here for references and more: lovephilosophy.substack.com/p/body-knowledge-with-elena-cuffari?r=3qslz0
Shay Welch: https://spelman.academia.edu/shaywelch
Read Rebecca Todd's post about Shay here: substack.com/home/post/p-153435377
Elena Cuffari: elenaclarecuffari.com
Women in embodied Cognition: women-4e.com
Oxford Handbook of 4E Cognition: academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28083
The Phenomenology of a Performative Knowledge System: link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-04936-2#bibliographic-information
Linguistic Bodies: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262547864/linguistic-bodies/
The quote Shay reads is chapter 8 of this book:
barnesandnoble.com/w/oppression-and-the-body-christine-caldwell/1126641713
Give
loveandphilosophy.com/giving-page
Join
lovephilosophy.substack.com
Connect
https://bsky.app/profile/lovephilosophy.substack.com
facebook.com/waymaking
instagram.com/waymaking23
DISCLAIMER
Educational Content Only
This video is for philosophical exploration and educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice.
Important Notice
The ideas discussed may challenge your current beliefs and worldview. If you experience emotional distress or confusion while watching, please pause and consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional.
No Affiliation
Views expressed are personal opinions and do not represent any institution, organization, or employer.
Fair Use
Any referenced material is used under fair use principles for educational discussion and commentary.
Personal Responsibility
This content does not prescribe any particular way of living. You are responsible for how you interpret and apply these ideas to your own life. The creators assume no liability for any outcomes resulting from your use of this material.
Your Wellbeing Matters
If philosophical inquiry ever feels overwhelming, please prioritize your mental health and seek appropriate support.
#bodyknowledge and #4E #Cognition with Shay Welch and Elena Cuffari
*We had some internet issues, audio only is here if you prefer that: pod.link/YZLzbj*
Elena Clare Cuffari is a Professor at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. Shay Welch is a professor at Spelman College in Atlanta. In this episode, they discuss embodied cognition and participatory sensemaking in relation to marginalized body epistemologies. They share insights from a recent conference that brought together diverse perspectives on how embodied cognition intersects with issues of race, gender, and activism. Welch emphasizes that she never separates her scholarship from her personal life, seeing philosophy as inherently connected to her lived experience. Cuffari highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of her work with colleagues, which seeks to challenge traditional philosophical boundaries. They address the challenges of integrating marginalized voices into academic fields and the importance of recognizing the body's knowledge. The conversation also touches on the discomfort that arises in both academic and social contexts when established norms are challenged, and how this requires responsibility beyond blame.
00:00 Building a Community for Philosophical Dialogue
02:02 Introduction to Embodied Cognition and Participatory Sensemaking
02:22 Exploring Personal Philosophical Interests
04:11 Defining Embodied Cognition and Participatory Sensemaking
08:08 The Roots and Relevance of Embodied Cognition
15:14 Challenges in Academia and Marginalized Philosophies
28:51 The Concept of Normalcy in Philosophy and Society
37:17 Addressing Misunderstandings in Philosophy
39:34 Inclusivity and Change in Philosophy
43:18 Discomfort and Openness in Philosophical Inquiry
49:44 Marginalized Body Epistemologies
01:01:43 The Intersection of Philosophy and Personal Experience
01:05:57 Reflections on the Conference and Future Directions
Substack page here for references and more: lovephilosophy.substack.com/p/body-knowledge-with-elena-cuffari?r=3qslz0
Shay Welch: https://spelman.academia.edu/shaywelch
Read Rebecca Todd's post about Shay here: substack.com/home/post/p-153435377
Elena Cuffari: elenaclarecuffari.com
Women in embodied Cognition: women-4e.com
Oxford Handbook of 4E Cognition: academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28083
The Phenomenology of a Performative Knowledge System: link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-04936-2#bibliographic-information
Linguistic Bodies: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262547864/linguistic-bodies/
The quote Shay reads is chapter 8 of this book:
barnesandnoble.com/w/oppression-and-the-body-christine-caldwell/1126641713
Give
loveandphilosophy.com/giving-page
Join
lovephilosophy.substack.com
Connect
https://bsky.app/profile/lovephilosophy.substack.com
facebook.com/waymaking
instagram.com/waymaking23
DISCLAIMER
Educational Content Only
This video is for philosophical exploration and educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice.
Important Notice
The ideas discussed may challenge your current beliefs and worldview. If you experience emotional distress or confusion while watching, please pause and consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional.
No Affiliation
Views expressed are personal opinions and do not represent any institution, organization, or employer.
Fair Use
Any referenced material is used under fair use principles for educational discussion and commentary.
Personal Responsibility
This content does not prescribe any particular way of living. You are responsible for how you interpret and apply these ideas to your own life. The creators assume no liability for any outcomes resulting from your use of this material.
Your Wellbeing Matters
If philosophical inquiry ever feels overwhelming, please prioritize your mental health and seek appropriate support.
