What Is Phenomenology According to Husserl?

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Jane Flores

Phenomenology is a philosophical movement that originated with Edmund Husserl, a German philosopher, in the early 20th century. It is a method of inquiry that aims to understand the structure of consciousness and the way in which we experience the world. According to Husserl, phenomenology is a discipline that studies the essential structures of consciousness and their relationship to objects in the world.

The Method of Phenomenology

Phenomenology involves an analysis of subjective experience, focusing on what appears in consciousness and how it appears. The method involves setting aside preconceptions and assumptions about the world and attempting to describe experience as it presents itself. This requires a careful attention to detail and an openness to exploring all aspects of experience.

The Reduction

One key aspect of Husserl’s phenomenology is what he called “the reduction.” This involves bracketing or setting aside assumptions about the world and focusing solely on immediate experience. The goal of this reduction is to access what Husserl called “pure” or “transcendental” consciousness, which is free from any external influences.

The Intentionality of Consciousness

Another key aspect of Husserl’s phenomenology is his emphasis on intentionality. According to Husserl, consciousness is always directed towards something; it is always intentional.

This means that every act of consciousness involves both a subject (the person experiencing) and an object (the thing being experienced). This relationship between subject and object is essential for understanding how we experience the world.

Applications of Phenomenology

Phenomenology has been applied in various fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and even architecture. In psychology, for example, phenomenological research has been used to explore topics such as emotion, perception, and memory. In sociology, phenomenological research has been used to explore topics such as identity and social interaction.

Criticism of Phenomenology

Despite its many applications, phenomenology has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that the method is too subjective and that it cannot be used to make objective claims about the world. Others argue that Husserl’s emphasis on consciousness neglects the importance of the body and the environment in shaping our experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, phenomenology is a philosophical movement that seeks to understand how we experience the world. Husserl’s method of phenomenology involves an analysis of subjective experience, focusing on what appears in consciousness and how it appears.

While phenomenology has been applied in various fields, it has also faced criticism for its subjectivity and neglect of the body and environment. Nevertheless, it remains an important approach for understanding human experience.