What Is Phenomenology According to Alfred Schutz?

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Martha Robinson

Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that aims to understand the essence of human experience. According to Alfred Schutz, phenomenology is the study of how people perceive and interpret the world around them.

Who was Alfred Schutz?

Alfred Schutz was an Austrian philosopher who lived from 1899 to 1959. He was a student of Edmund Husserl, who is considered the father of phenomenology. Schutz developed his own ideas about phenomenology and applied them to social sciences such as sociology.

What is Phenomenology?

Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the subjective nature of human experience. It seeks to understand how people perceive and interpret the world around them. Phenomenologists believe that there are no objective facts or truths that exist independently of human consciousness.

According to Schutz, phenomenology involves two key components: bracketing and empathy. Bracketing involves setting aside preconceived notions and beliefs in order to focus on the present moment. Empathy involves putting oneself in another person’s shoes in order to understand their perspective.

How does Phenomenology apply to Social Sciences?

Schutz believed that phenomenology could be applied to social sciences such as sociology in order to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and social interactions. He argued that social scientists should focus on the subjective experiences of individuals rather than trying to find objective facts or laws governing society.

Schutz also developed the concept of “intersubjectivity,” which refers to the shared understanding between individuals in a social context. He believed that people use shared meanings and symbols in order to communicate with each other and create a sense of community.

Conclusion

Phenomenology, according to Alfred Schutz, is a philosophical approach that seeks to understand how people perceive and interpret the world around them. It involves bracketing one’s preconceptions and empathizing with others in order to gain a deeper understanding of human experience. Phenomenology can be applied to social sciences such as sociology in order to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and social interactions.