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Part of the book: The Appearance of Character

Melissa Percival

MHRA Texts and Dissertations 47

W. S. Maney & Son Ltd for the Modern Humanities Research Association

EnlightenmentFrenchPhilosophyopen

Abstract.  Physiognomy is a constantly changing phenomenon, which readily adapts itself to the prevailing discourse of a discipline or a historical period. Unsurprisingly, therefore, in the eighteenth century the relationships between external appearance and inner essence were viewed and articulated via common trends in Enlightenment thought. This involved a detachment from what were seen to be the superstitious beliefs of past ages, and an adaptation of physiognomical theories to a new conception of man as independent and self-determining. Physiognomy was seen as a spontaneous and universal human activity, an amusing parlour game for idle aristocrats , or a skill to be cultivated by the refined connoisseur. In a more serious guise, it formed part of contemporary debates on self- improvement and social harmony.

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