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Why has Phenomenology been called a 'science of consciousness'?

Damien feuvre

Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that seeks to understand and describe the essential structures of human experience. It was developed in the early 20th century by philosophers such as Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger. One of the key features of phenomenology is its focus on consciousness, which has led some to refer to it as a "science of consciousness."

So why has Phenomenology been called a science of consciousness? To answer this question, it is important to first understand what is meant by consciousness in the context of phenomenology. For phenomenologists, consciousness refers to the subjective experience of the world that is unique to each individual. This experience is not simply a passive reflection of external stimuli, but involves active interpretation and meaning-making by the individual.

Phenomenology as a science of consciousness seeks to uncover the essential structures of this subjective experience. This involves bracketing or setting aside any preconceived notions or assumptions about the world, and examining the experience itself in a methodical and rigorous manner. Through this process, phenomenologists aim to uncover the fundamental features of consciousness that are common to all human experience.

One key method used in Phenomenology is the use of "eidetic reduction." This involves focusing on the essential features of a particular experience, such as the perception of a particular object, and seeking to uncover the necessary and sufficient conditions that make that experience possible. Through this process, phenomenologists aim to uncover the underlying structures of consciousness that are responsible for generating the experience.

Another key feature of Phenomenology is its emphasis on lived experience. Phenomenologists reject the idea that consciousness can be understood purely objectively, or that it can be reduced to physical processes in the brain. Instead, they argue that consciousness is always embedded in a particular context and shaped by cultural and historical factors. By focusing on the lived experience of individuals, phenomenologists seek to uncover the unique features of consciousness that arise from these contextual factors.

In conclusion, Phenomenology has been called a science of consciousness because of its emphasis on uncovering the essential structures of human experience. By focusing on consciousness as the key object of study, phenomenologists seek to uncover the fundamental features of subjective experience that are common to all humans. Through methods such as eidetic reduction and a focus on lived experience, Phenomenology offers a unique approach to understanding the nature of consciousness and its role in shaping human experience.