A Polyvocal Body: Mutually Corrective Discourses in Feminist and Jewish Bodily Ethics. Issue 2 (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levi, Rebecca J. E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of religious ethics. Volume 43:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 267
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Judaism -- feminism -- autonomy -- heteronomy -- body; Ethics -- Periodicals; Religious ethics -- Periodicals; Morale religieuse; Religion; Théologie; 205
• DOI: 10.1111/jore.12096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0384-9694

Abstract

Abstract: This essay aims to elucidate how multiple voices and traditions should interact with one another in the practice of ethics. First, it explores some of the major ways in which questions of bodily autonomy function in secular feminist and Jewish bioethical discourses. It then uses case studies to illuminate ways each discourse's concepts of bodily autonomy can be deeply problematic, and argues that the strengths in each discourse can serve as important correctives for the weaknesses in the other. It suggests that some formal features of rabbinic texts can serve as a model for a discourse of constant and animated mutual correction. Finally, it examines two case studies in light of this model.