What Is Phenomenology in Philosophy PDF?

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Jane Flores

Phenomenology is a branch of philosophy that focuses on the study of subjective experiences and consciousness. It originated in the early 20th century, and its founder was Edmund Husserl, a German philosopher. This article will provide an overview of phenomenology in philosophy PDF format.

What Is Phenomenology?

Phenomenology is concerned with the analysis of human experiences, particularly subjective experiences. It examines how we perceive things through our senses and how we understand and interpret these perceptions. The goal of phenomenology is to provide an account of our experiences that is as accurate and complete as possible.

The Method of Phenomenology

The method used in phenomenology is called the reduction or epoché. This method involves suspending or putting aside any preconceptions or assumptions about the world, including our beliefs about what exists and what is true. By doing this, we can focus exclusively on our immediate experience without being influenced by external factors or biases.

Existential Phenomenology

Existential phenomenology is a type of phenomenological inquiry that focuses on human existence and experience. It examines how humans experience their own existence in the world and how they understand themselves in relation to others.

Key Concepts

One key concept in existential phenomenology is authenticity. Authenticity refers to being true to oneself and one’s own values, rather than conforming to societal norms or expectations. Another key concept is freedom, which refers to the ability to choose one’s own path in life.

Transcendental Phenomenology

Transcendental phenomenology is another type of phenomenological inquiry that focuses on the structures of human consciousness that underlie our experiences. It seeks to uncover the fundamental ways in which we make sense of the world around us.

One key concept in transcendental phenomenology is intentionality. Intentionality refers to the fact that our consciousness is always directed towards something, whether it be an object, a thought, or a feeling. Another key concept is the phenomenological reduction, which involves bracketing or setting aside any assumptions about the world in order to focus on the structures of consciousness themselves.

  • Conclusion:

Phenomenology is an important branch of philosophy that provides insights into human experiences and consciousness. Its methods and concepts have been influential not only in philosophy but also in other fields such as psychology and sociology. By using the method of reduction and examining key concepts such as intentionality and authenticity, phenomenologists are able to provide a rich and nuanced account of human experience.