Recently, the 16th academic salon of the Qizhen Qiushi Media Circle, jointly organized by the Digital Communication Research Center of Zhejiang University, the College of Media and International Culture, the Institute of Aesthetics and Critical Theory, and the Digital Social Science Convergence Research Initiative, was successfully held at the Zhejiang University Campus Bookstore (Zhongxi Bookhouse · Dazhong Bookstore). Professor Yang Dachun, a distinguished Changjiang Scholar appointed by the Ministry of Education and Qiu Shi Distinguished Professor of Zhejiang University, delivered a lecture titled The Issue of Spiritual Communication in Phenomenology of the Body, offering an in-depth interpretation of the philosophy of Maurice Merleau-Ponty. The lecture was moderated by Professor Huang Dan, a senior scholar in the humanities at Zhejiang University.

In his lecture, Professor Yang systematically outlined the theoretical background and core ideas of Merleau-Ponty's philosophy, focusing on the unique role of the body as a medium of communication in the relationships between individuals and the world, as well as between individuals. By analyzing the key concepts of phenomenology of the body, he elaborated on the profound significance of spiritual communication in both philosophy and communication studies. Additionally, he explored the contemporary implications of Merleau-Ponty's philosophy in the context of modern communication practices.

The General Background of Merleau-Ponty’s Philosophy

Professor Yang began with the intellectual origins of Merleau-Ponty's philosophy, tracing its critical and integrative theoretical lineage. He highlighted the transition in 20th-century French philosophy from the so-called “3H era”—influenced by Hegel, Heidegger, and Husserl—to the “3M era”, shaped by Nietzsche, Marx, and Freud. This transition marked a shift from idealism to materialism. Merleau-Ponty adopted a humanistic interpretation of these philosophical traditions, bridging the gap between the 3H and 3M schools of thought. By doing so, he connected Marxist and Hegelian ideas and established a unique philosophical perspective.

Professor Yang explained how Merleau-Ponty broke away from traditional philosophy to construct his distinct phenomenology of the body, combining Hegelian Marxism and phenomenology. He emphasized the broader shift in Western philosophy from metaphysics of substance to metaphysics of the subject, then to metaphysics of Dasein (being-there), and eventually to the end of metaphysics, constantly redefining the relationship between existence and subjectivity. Merleau-Ponty's philosophy transitioned from theoretical to practical philosophy, from epistemology to ontology, prioritizing bodily experience, perceptual experience, and the relationality of individuals and the world. This shift transcended traditional dualism, forming the core framework of his phenomenology of the body, which focuses on the body as a critical medium of communication and existence.

Core Ideas of Phenomenology of the Body

Professor Yang elaborated on the core ideas of Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology of the body, stating that the body is not merely a material entity but the fundamental mode of interaction between individuals and the world. Merleau-Ponty adopted a spatial schema that emphasizes overall coordination. Professor Yang analyzed the concept of “bodily intentionality”, highlighting that the body is both the subject of perception and the medium of action. Through the body, individuals establish profound and concrete connections with the world.

He also explored Merleau-Ponty’s concept of “the flesh of the world”, emphasizing how the boundaries between subjectivity and objectivity become blurred in bodily experience, creating a reversible relationship between individuals and the world. Furthermore, Professor Yang discussed “intercorporeality”, focusing on the body as the basis of communication, transcending the limitations of language to achieve profound exchange through gestures, expressions, and actions.

Spiritual Communication and Its Philosophical Extension

In his discussion of spiritual communication, Professor Yang noted that early modern philosophy emphasized idea-based communication, a nearly unobstructed exchange of concepts between individuals. Later modern philosophy shifted to spiritual communication, which highlights deeper connections beyond superficial interaction. According to Merleau-Ponty, human solitude is not a lack of communication but rather a potential state of communication. He argued that “solitude and communication are two sides of the same phenomenon”, as individuals are both “absolute subjects” and “engaged subjects.” The fact of one’s birth signifies that solitude is not an interruption but a suspension of communication. Thus, we should recognize that social interaction always exists as a dimension of one’s existence, rather than as a separate object.

This perspective offers a unique understanding of communication in the spiritualist era. Professor Yang further explored the significance of spiritual communication in the context of modern communication. He analyzed how the fragmentation of mass media impacts spiritual communication, noting that the role of emotions in communication is increasingly marginalized. This phenomenon reflects the transition from spiritualism to materialism in contemporary society. However, Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy provides critical insights for rethinking modern communication practices by restoring the centrality of the body and emotions, thereby reconstructing deep connections between individuals.

During the interactive session, attendees—including faculty and students—engaged in lively discussions on topics such as phenomenology of the body and modern communication practices, applications of intercorporeality in contemporary contexts, and utopia versus heterotopia. Professor Yang offered interdisciplinary perspectives, particularly on the possibilities of spiritual communication in the digital age, inspiring the audience with new dimensions of thought.

Through this lecture, participants gained a deeper understanding of Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy and reflected on the complexities of modern communication and interaction from the perspective of phenomenology of the body. The lecture underscored the significance of the body and spiritual communication in contemporary society, leaving attendees with profound insights into the interplay between philosophy, communication, and daily life.