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Shakespeare and Cognitive Play

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Shakespeare, Objects and Phenomenology

Part of the book series: Palgrave Shakespeare Studies ((PASHST))

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Abstract

This chapter traces what Shaun Gallagher calls the ‘rebirth’ of phenomenology in terms of its potential contribution to those cognitive sciences taking an ecological, embodied, enactive approach to cognition, particularly the emerging discipline of neuroscience as it moves a shared arena with phenomenology, psychology and the work of performance scholars and practitioners. Sachon tracks recent collaborative projects in these areas, considering the impact of such research as mirror neuron theory on our understanding of performance as a process, and the power of language to stimulate mirroring of movement (motor-intentionality) and touch. Refocussing her exploration of Shakespeare’s objects through these ideas, Sachon uses conceptual metaphor and blending theories to prise open and considerably extend her phenomenological close-reading of Yorick’s skull from Hamlet.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Toddington, Bedfordshire, UK

    Susan Sachon

  2. Hon. Research Associate, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, England

    Susan Sachon

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  1. Susan Sachon
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Sachon, S. (2020). Shakespeare and Cognitive Play. In: Shakespeare, Objects and Phenomenology. Palgrave Shakespeare Studies. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05207-2_2

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