Croire par corps

Abstract

This paper will explore the way body experience can be said to be at the basis of the participants’ adhesion to systems of beliefs. The role of feelings associated to action is more particularly delved into, as well as the way in which feelings are articulated to the belief in the existence of theoretical entities. In the case under study, it is precisely about the correspondence established by the participants between body feelings tested during the practice of a martial art (Kiryuho) and a form of energy (the Ki) whose existence is postulated by the Master who prescribes the exercises. The results show that the participants’ reports on the experiment plead for a mode of validation of belief which is both social (the experiment is prescribed by a Master) and located in the depth of motricity. The cognitive role of motricity is thus underlined, namely through the fully acknowledged intentional character of the kinestheses.