Who is: Schutz, Alfred in Philosophy
Alfred Schutz was a renowned Austrian philosopher, born in 1899 and died in 1959. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the phenomenology and sociology of knowledge. Schutz developed a unique approach to understanding the human experience and the construction of social reality. In this article, we will explore the life and work of Alfred Schutz, highlighting his main ideas and influences.
Life and Influences
Alfred Schutz was born in Vienna, Austria, on April 13, 1899. He studied law at the University of Vienna and later worked as a lawyer. However, his true passion was philosophy and, in particular, phenomenology. Schutz was influenced by philosophers such as Edmund Husserl and Max Weber, whose ideas shaped his unique approach to understanding the human experience.
Phenomenology and Sociology of Knowledge
One of Alfred Schutz's main contributions to philosophy was his phenomenological approach. He believed that reality is constructed through subjective experience and that understanding this experience is fundamental to understanding society and human interaction. Schutz developed the sociology of knowledge, which seeks to investigate how people construct meanings and interpret the world around them.
Construction of Social Reality
According to Schutz, social reality is constructed through interaction between individuals. He argued that people share a common store of knowledge and meanings, which are used to interpret and make sense of social situations. Schutz also emphasized the importance of intersubjectivity, that is, the ability to understand the perspective of others and put oneself in their shoes.
Types of Social Action
One of Schutz's main ideas is the distinction between different types of social action. He identified three main types: teleological action, normative action and dramaturgical action. Teleological action is oriented towards achieving a specific goal, while normative action is based on social norms and rules. Dramaturgical action involves the representation of social roles and interaction based on social expectations.
Construction of Meanings
For Schutz, the construction of meanings is a fundamental process in social interaction. He argued that people attribute meanings to situations based on their past experiences and their stock of knowledge. These meanings are shared and negotiated during social interaction, and influence how people interpret and respond to situations.
Intersubjectivity and Understanding the Other
Intersubjectivity is a central concept in Schutz's philosophy. He believed that understanding others is fundamental to social interaction. Through intersubjectivity, people are able to share meanings and interpret the actions of others. Schutz argued that intersubjectivity is achieved through empathy and the ability to put oneself in another's shoes.
Construction of Everyday Reality
Schutz was also interested in the construction of everyday reality. He argued that social reality is constructed through processes of routinization and habitualization. Repeated actions and interactions over time lead to the formation of stable social structures and the creation of a shared reality. Schutz also explored the role of language in the construction of everyday reality.
Criticism of the Theory of Knowledge
Alfred Schutz also criticized the traditional theory of knowledge. He argued that the theory of knowledge was too focused on the search for objective truth and neglected the importance of subjective experience. Schutz defended a more phenomenological approach, which valued the subject's perspective and the social construction of knowledge.
Legacy and Influence
Alfred Schutz's work has had a significant impact on philosophy, sociology, and social science in general. His phenomenological approach and his sociology of knowledge influenced many scholars and continue to be discussed and applied to this day. Schutz was also one of the founders of the New York School of Phenomenology, which played an important role in the development of phenomenology in the United States.
Final Words
Alfred Schutz was a visionary philosopher who made significant contributions to the understanding of human experience and the construction of social reality. His phenomenological approach and his sociology of knowledge continue to be relevant and influential in philosophy and the social sciences. Schutz's work reminds us of the importance of considering the subject's perspective and intersubjectivity when analyzing society and human interaction.
