Physiognomy of physiognomy - Chapter iii - The Therm
Posted on Jun 11th, 2007
by 
Hannes
Hannes
The term "physiognomy" refers to features of the face, especially so when, in the narrow sense, these features are used to infer the relatively enduring character or temperament of an individual. On this site, physiognomy connotes a broader meaning, i.e., it refers to relatively unchanging facial features that might convey messages about any inner or hidden aspect of the person. Most of these facial features have as their basis the bony structure of the skull, on which the soft tissues lie. These features include the shapes and positions of major areas and landmarks of the face, such as the forehead, eyebrows, nose, cheeks, and mouth. The important facial features can be fairly accurately reconstructed by experts from the skull alone.
Controversy typically surrounds issues related to physiognomy. One reason might be the history of pseudo-scientific and discredited fads, such as phrenology, that associated physical and psychological characteristics without adducing credible evidence, and the implausibility of much of their claims. The ascription of a personal character to a physical feature of the face can be cast into a "biological determinism" framework, or can invoke associations with socially sensitive areas of race characteristics, etc. These views are antithetical to a dominant American viewpoint of social and environmental determinants of social standing. Yet, despite reservations, one must ask why physical facial characteristics should not be correlated with certain psychological traits. After all, both are the products of the same forces: 1) the interactions that the individual has with the environment, and 2) the person's biological inheritance.
source: The Nature of Physiognomy
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Witch Words - 'Physiognomy'
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Controversy typically surrounds issues related to physiognomy. One reason might be the history of pseudo-scientific and discredited fads, such as phrenology, that associated physical and psychological characteristics without adducing credible evidence, and the implausibility of much of their claims. The ascription of a personal character to a physical feature of the face can be cast into a "biological determinism" framework, or can invoke associations with socially sensitive areas of race characteristics, etc. These views are antithetical to a dominant American viewpoint of social and environmental determinants of social standing. Yet, despite reservations, one must ask why physical facial characteristics should not be correlated with certain psychological traits. After all, both are the products of the same forces: 1) the interactions that the individual has with the environment, and 2) the person's biological inheritance.
source: The Nature of Physiognomy
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Witch Words - 'Physiognomy'
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Witch Words - 'Physiognomy'
Part of the expanding Witch School Video Glossary.
This explains the word 'Physiognomy' by Ruthann
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This explains the word 'Physiognomy' by Ruthann
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Access: PublicTagged with: Physiognomy, Face, Skull, Controversy, pseudo-Scientific, Individual, Associations, Inheritage, dominant American
associations
May 2008