The Contingency of the Body

"The contingency of the body" refers to the idea that our physical form and biological characteristics are not fixed or predetermined. Instead, they depend on a variety of factors such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and chance events. This means our bodies can develop differently based on these influences, highlighting that our physical existence is shaped by both biological and external conditions rather than being completely fixed or inevitable. It emphasizes the dynamic and adaptable nature of the body, acknowledging the role of circumstances in determining physical identity.