Things Really Exist? A Survival-Kit for Prospective Phenomenologists

Abstract

This article provides something of a survival kit for prospective phenomenologists. Starting with the main ideas of the founder of phenomenology Edmund HUSSERL, this article begins by articulating phenomenological thinking in abstract painting, existentialism, theology, and psychotherapy. On this background I discuss the theoretical and methodological development of phenomenology in the social sciences. Linking phenomenology and ordinary language philosophy rounds out this hopefully "easy-to-understand" introduction. After having read the text students should be familiar with the philosophical roots, the major application contexts, and some central reservations against phenomenology. Above all, students should be able to (a) apply the term "phenomenology" appropriately (at least as far as this is possible) and (b) meet the requirements of phenomenologically oriented research methods in a reflective and mature way. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0802202