Physiognomy Theory
Physiognomy Theory
Physiognomy also known as the Arts and Sciences of the face, dates back to
Aristotle’s era. This philosophy was first used by the Greek and spread to places as far as
Asia and the Middle East within a short period of time. It became very popular especially
in Asia, where people would use this to determine people’s suitability for jobs and
important government positions. The number of important people such as Emperors, successful
professionals and government officials that believed in this theory also helped the rapid spread
of physiognomy throughout the continents. Back then, most people were convinced that this so
called science could not only determine their personality as well as their fate but also help them
make better choices in life. Physiognomy claims that an individual’s character, destiny and the
ability to perform certain tasks in life, can be defined by studying his facial features. Studies
done throughout time have failed to back up this theory, confirming that physiognomy is just
another pseudoscience.
Physiognomy and its uses and definition have changed overtime according to
people’s needs. Figuring out the traits and behavioral trends of people was not enough; so
physiognomy experts then argued that people’s characteristics had a connection with the
signs of the zodiac. As the numbers of followers of Physiognomy grew, so did the demand
for physiognomists, or face readers as they were called, turning this philosophy into a profitable
worldwide business. After many years, physiognomy was revived and it is now used and
believed to work efficiently to determine criminal tendencies in people. Physiognomy became
more credible to people, when a U.S. judge backed up the theory after observing the facial
features of those that appeared in his court.
Physiognomy, is the study of facial features that allows philosophers to determine an
Physiognomy also known as the Arts and Sciences of the face, dates back to
Aristotle’s era. This philosophy was first used by the Greek and spread to places as far as
Asia and the Middle East within a short period of time. It became very popular especially
in Asia, where people would use this to determine people’s suitability for jobs and
important government positions. The number of important people such as Emperors, successful
professionals and government officials that believed in this theory also helped the rapid spread
of physiognomy throughout the continents. Back then, most people were convinced that this so
called science could not only determine their personality as well as their fate but also help them
make better choices in life. Physiognomy claims that an individual’s character, destiny and the
ability to perform certain tasks in life, can be defined by studying his facial features. Studies
done throughout time have failed to back up this theory, confirming that physiognomy is just
another pseudoscience.
Physiognomy and its uses and definition have changed overtime according to
people’s needs. Figuring out the traits and behavioral trends of people was not enough; so
physiognomy experts then argued that people’s characteristics had a connection with the
signs of the zodiac. As the numbers of followers of Physiognomy grew, so did the demand
for physiognomists, or face readers as they were called, turning this philosophy into a profitable
worldwide business. After many years, physiognomy was revived and it is now used and
believed to work efficiently to determine criminal tendencies in people. Physiognomy became
more credible to people, when a U.S. judge backed up the theory after observing the facial
features of those that appeared in his court.
Physiognomy, is the study of facial features that allows philosophers to determine an
Bibliography: "Physiognomy - LoveToKnow 1911." 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica - Free Online. 6 Oct. 2006. Web. 16 Feb. 2010. <http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Physiognomy>. "Introduction to Physiognomy - Face Reading the Facial Features." A Human Face. Web. 16 Feb. 2010. <http://www.face-and-emotion.com/dataface/physiognomy/physiognomy.jsp>.