Gaspard Koenig: Do we really own our bodies?

Do we really own our bodies?

We tend to think of our corporeal selves as the one thing we hold complete dominion over. "My body belongs to me" has become a statement so banal that French ministers have the phrase tattooed on their arms. Philosopher Gaspard Koenig thinks we should stop taking ownership of our bodies for granted. In this funny, example-driven talk, Koenig delves into the myriad ways we lose agency over our mortal flesh to legal, moral and corporate authorities. (In French with English subtitles)

Many believe that personal autonomy over the body is absolute, yet countless laws and customs restrict what people can actually do with themselves. From France's ban on dwarf-tossing to court cases over ownership of human cells, society often claims authority over individual bodies in the name of dignity or morality. The idea that 'my body belongs to me' feels modern but is constantly challenged by legal, religious, and political systems. As technology advances, debates about body ownership, human enhancement, and personal data become ever more urgent.