What is Neophenomenology in Philosophy

Neophenomenology is a philosophical current that seeks to understand human experience and the relationship between subject and object. It emerges as a critical response to traditional phenomenology, developed by Edmund Husserl at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. While classical phenomenology focuses on the description and analysis of consciousness, neophenomenology expands this scope, incorporating elements from psychology, sociology and other disciplines for a more comprehensive understanding of the human phenomenon.

Origins and Development of Neophenomenology

Neophenomenology arises as a reaction to traditional phenomenology, which was considered by some philosophers as excessively abstract and distant from concrete reality. From the 1960s onwards, several thinkers began to propose a more empirical and interdisciplinary approach, which took into account not only subjective experience, but also the social, cultural and historical aspects that influence the perception and interpretation of the world.

One of the main names associated with neophenomenology is Maurice Merleau-Ponty, a French philosopher who sought to integrate phenomenology with psychology and sociology. In his work “Phenomenology of Perception”, Merleau-Ponty argues that human experience is always mediated by the body and the context in which we are inserted, and that consciousness cannot be separated from the world that surrounds it.

Main Concepts of Neophenomenology

One of the central concepts of neophenomenology is that of “own body”. According to Merleau-Ponty, the body is not only a physical object, but also the means by which we relate to the world. He argues that perception is not a purely mental activity, but rather a bodily experience, in which the body becomes the starting point for understanding the world.

Another important concept is that of “intersubjectivity”. Neophenomenology recognizes that human experience is always shared with other subjects, and that the understanding of the world is influenced by social and cultural relationships. In this way, intersubjectivity is seen as a fundamental element for understanding the human experience.

Contributions of Neophenomenology to Philosophy

Neophenomenology made important contributions to philosophy, by expanding the scope of traditional phenomenology and incorporating elements from other disciplines. It allowed a more comprehensive understanding of the human experience, taking into account not only individual consciousness, but also the social, cultural and historical aspects that influence the perception and interpretation of the world.

Furthermore, neophenomenology also brought a more empirical and interdisciplinary approach, bringing philosophy closer to other areas of knowledge, such as psychology and sociology. This integration allowed for a more complete and contextualized analysis of the human experience, taking into account both subjective and objective aspects.

Criticisms of Neophenomenology

Despite its contributions, neophenomenology has also received criticism from some philosophers. Some argue that it still maintains an excessively subjective approach, focusing too much on individual experience and leaving objective and universal aspects aside.

Another criticism is that neophenomenology can be considered a relativist approach, as it emphasizes the influence of the social and cultural context on the perception and interpretation of the world. Some philosophers argue that this emphasis on relativity can lead to a denial of the existence of universal and objective truths.

Applications of Neophenomenology

Neophenomenology has been applied in several areas of knowledge, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology and even neuroscience. It offers a more comprehensive and contextualized approach to the human experience, allowing a deeper understanding of the phenomena studied in these areas.

In psychology, for example, neophenomenology has been used to understand perception, emotion and human subjectivity. She seeks to understand how these phenomena are influenced by the body, social and cultural context, and how they can vary according to individual experiences.

Conclusion

In short, neophenomenology is a philosophical current that seeks to understand human experience in a more comprehensive and contextualized way. It expands the scope of traditional phenomenology, incorporating elements from psychology, sociology and other disciplines. Despite the criticism received, neophenomenology has contributed significantly to philosophy and other areas of knowledge, offering a more complete and integrated approach to human experience.