"Body art or eyesore, a celebration of individuality, or at very least a conversation piece, tattoos provide fertile ground for philosophical discussion, raising intriguing questions from aesthetics to feminism, from semiotics to the philosophy of the person. The abundance of tattooed religious symbols also raises questions surrounding the belief in and worship of God, and even the stigma associated with tattoos can initiate discussion on moral and political philosophy. Providing a broad arena for philosophical dialogue, essays include: Tattoos as an expression of freedom Confessions of a Tattooed Buddhist Philosopher Women and Tattoos Tattoos and personal identity Papers, enthusiastically inked by philosophers (most with tattoos), tattoo artists, and tattoo enthusiasts, offer enlightening insights into the nature of tattoos and the tattooing arts and the rich philosophical analysis that can be drawn from them"-- Provided by publisher. "Covering philosophical issues ranging from tattooed religious symbols to a feminist aesthetics of tattoo, Tattoos and Philosophy offers an enthusiastic analysis of inking that will lead readers to consider the nature of the tattooing arts in a new and profound way. Contains chapters written by philosophers (most all with tattoos themselves), tattoo artists, and tattoo enthusiasts that touch upon many areas in Western and Eastern philosophy Enlightens people to the nature of tattoos and the tattooing arts, leading readers to think deeply about tattoos in new ways Offers thoughtful and humorous insights that make philosophical ideas accessible to the non-philosopher"-- Provided by publisher.
Includes bibliographical references and index.