Physiognomy: Definition, History, Characteristics, and Further Readings
Physiognomy is the study of facial features and their relation to character and personality. It is believed that a person’s character and personality can be determined by the shape, size, and structure of their facial features. Physiognomy has been practiced for centuries, and is still a source of fascination today.
Definition
Physiognomy is a pseudoscience that attempts to determine character and personality based on the features of a person’s face. It is based on the idea that facial features, such as eyes, nose, and chin, can reveal information about a person’s character and personality. Physiognomy is sometimes confused with phrenology, which is the study of the shape of the skull in order to determine character and personality.
History
The practice of physiognomy dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece. It was believed that the gods had given humans the ability to read each other’s character and personality through facial features. The ancient Greeks believed that a person’s character and personality could be determined by the shape of their nose, and the ancient Egyptians believed that a person’s character and personality could be determined by the size and shape of their eyes.
In the 18th century, the Swiss physician Johann Kaspar Lavater popularized physiognomy. He wrote a book on the subject, which influenced many people in Europe and America. He believed that people’s character and personality could be determined by their facial features. His theories were later discredited, but the practice of physiognomy continued to be practiced throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Characteristics
Physiognomy is based on the belief that certain facial features can indicate a person’s character and personality. According to physiognomers, the shape and size of a person’s eyes, nose, chin, and forehead can reveal information about their character and personality. Physiognomers also believe that certain facial expressions, such as a smile or a frown, can indicate a person’s emotional state.
Further Readings
Bonaparte, N. (1893). The physiognomy of mental diseases. The American Journal of Insanity, 49(3), 249-370.
Lavater, J. K. (1775). Essays on physiognomy, designed to promote the knowledge and the love of mankind. London: J. Johnson.
Rudiak-Gould, P. (2006). The rise and fall of physiognomy in Europe. History of Science, 44(2), 163-181.
Von Helversen, B. (2003). Physiognomy: Historical evidence and modern beliefs. In A. Efklides & P. Misailidi (Eds.), Trends and prospects in motivation and learning (pp. 235–250). Amsterdam: Elsevier.