Early Life and Education
Erin Manning, born on February 1, 1969, is a renowned Canadian philosopher known for her groundbreaking work in the fields of philosophy, dance, and the arts. She was born and raised in Canada, where she developed a deep passion for exploring the intersections between movement, perception, and the body.
Manning received her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from York University in Toronto before pursuing her Master’s and Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Toronto. It was during her time at these institutions that Manning began to develop her unique approach to philosophy that incorporates elements of dance, performance, and embodiment.
Professional Career
After completing her doctoral studies, Manning went on to teach at various universities in Canada before joining the faculty at Concordia University in Montreal. During her time at Concordia, Manning established herself as a leading voice in the field of philosophy and published several influential books and articles.
In 2009, Manning joined the faculty at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she currently holds the position of Canada Research Chair in Philosophy and Cultural Theory. In addition to her academic work, Manning is also a founding member of the SenseLab, a research-creation laboratory that explores new ways of thinking about movement, perception, and the body.
Philosophical Contributions
Erin Manning’s work is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature and its focus on the relationship between movement, perception, and the body. She draws on insights from a wide range of fields including philosophy, dance, art, and neuroscience to develop her unique approach to philosophy.
One of Manning’s most influential concepts is the idea of “affect,” which she defines as the capacity for bodies to affect and be affected by other bodies. This concept plays a central role in her work on ethics, aesthetics, and politics, as she explores how our embodied experiences shape our understanding of the world around us.
Key Publications
Throughout her career, Erin Manning has published numerous books and articles that have had a significant impact on the field of philosophy. Some of her key publications include:
Relationscapes: Movement, Art, Philosophy
In this groundbreaking book, Manning explores the intersections between movement, art, and philosophy and argues for a new way of thinking about how we perceive and engage with the world around us.
The Minor Gesture
In this influential work, Manning introduces the concept of the “minor gesture” as a way of thinking about how small movements can have profound effects on our understanding of ourselves and our relationships with others.
Always More Than One: Individuation’s Dance
In this book, Manning delves into questions of individuation and explores how bodies come into being through their interactions with other bodies. She challenges traditional notions of individuality and argues for a more relational understanding of identity.
Awards and Recognition
Erin Manning’s innovative work has been widely recognized in the academic community, earning her numerous awards and accolades. In 2018, she was awarded the Governor General’s Innovation Award for her contributions to philosophy and cultural theory.
In addition to this prestigious award, Manning has also received fellowships from institutions such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ).
Current Research
Erin Manning continues to push the boundaries of philosophical inquiry through her ongoing research projects at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her current work focuses on questions of movement, perception, and ethics in relation to contemporary issues such as climate change and social justice.
Manning is also actively involved in collaborative research projects with colleagues from around the world through the SenseLab. These projects explore new ways of thinking about embodiment and aim to develop innovative approaches to addressing pressing societal challenges.
Influence on Contemporary Philosophy
Erin Manning’s work has had a profound influence on contemporary philosophy by challenging traditional boundaries between disciplines and expanding our understanding of what it means to be human. Her emphasis on embodied experience and relationality has inspired a new generation of scholars to explore alternative ways of thinking about ethics, aesthetics, and politics.
Manning’s interdisciplinary approach to philosophy has also sparked important conversations about how we can bridge gaps between different fields of knowledge and create more inclusive ways of engaging with complex issues facing society today.
Legacy
As one of the leading voices in contemporary philosophy, Erin Manning’s legacy will continue to shape the way we think about movement, perception, and the body for years to come. Her innovative ideas have opened up new possibilities for philosophical inquiry and have inspired countless scholars to think creatively about how we engage with the world around us.
Through her teaching, writing, and research, Manning has left an indelible mark on the field of philosophy and has challenged us to rethink our assumptions about what it means to be human. Her work serves as a reminder that philosophy is not just an abstract exercise but a deeply embodied practice that can help us better understand ourselves and our place in the world.
