A new way of gesture (G. H. Mead)

pp. 45-64

in: Lenart Škof, Breath of proximity, Berlin, Springer, 2015

Abstract

In this chapter, the idiosyncratic theory of a gesture in G.H. Mead is presented. In this interpretation, we do not follow interpretations paving a way of gesture, as it were, towards an orthodox view of his theory of symbolic interactionism—either from a sociological or psychological view. Rather, we insist on a more hidden link of his thought with the philosophy of inwardness (Innerlichkeit), i.e., the philosophy that is sensitive to our internal layers in the construction of any social reality. In this we closely relate Mead's theory to the question of time, or ethical temporality in Kierkegaard. With the help of Kierkegaard a new interpretation of Mead's philosophy of gesture(s) is proposed, also with some interesting intercultural elements. The germ of sociality, according to our interpretation of Mead, lies in our interiority (Innerlichkeit): the self already has sociality within itself. A key result of our investigation is a new view on intersubjectivity and time, paving the way towards philosophy of the elements and ethics of breath, as proposed in the second part of the book.