Exploring Phenomenology's Key Components
In the realm of philosophy, the name Shaun Gallagher stands out as a beacon of influence. As the Lillian and Morrie Moss Professor of Excellence in Philosophy at the University of Memphis, Gallagher has dedicated his career to delving into the complexities of phenomenology, a field that seeks to understand consciousness. His groundbreaking work, particularly in cognitive science, embodiment, and the philosophy of mind, has contributed significantly to our understanding of phenomenological approaches, as evidenced in key works such as "Action and Interaction."
Phenomenology, at its core, is the study and description of consciousness. It asserts that consciousness is not just a mere reflection of the world, but a unique experience for each individual. The term "phenomenal" in this context is used to highlight this uniqueness, each experience of consciousness being different from another.
One of the intriguing aspects of phenomenology is how perceptions can shape our understanding of the world. For instance, consider the simple act of eating an apple. The taste we perceive is unique to that moment, but if we paint a picture of an apple, our perception shifts to the texture and colour. Watching an apple grow presents a different perception yet. Perceptions can also be influenced by contrast to other incidents. For example, biting into a lime, sharp and sour, is a different experience than biting into an apple, sharp but sweet.
Moreover, our perceptions can change over time. Memories of experiences can subtly alter over the years, and some parts of experiences can become predominant in our memory, while others can fade into obscurity. This change in perception is not only limited to personal experiences but also extends to our relationship with objects, such as dogs. A fear of dogs, for example, could be lessened if one has positive experiences with them, much like how a fear of biting dogs can be lessened with positive encounters.
Understanding consciousness in time is crucial, as our perceptions and consciousness evolve with us. In the digital age, this understanding is particularly relevant to those in UX design, interaction design, and UI fields, as it can help in creating more immersive and user-friendly experiences.
In the words of Shaun Gallagher, phenomenology offers an excellent introduction to the study of consciousness. By showing "what it is like" to perceive the world, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own consciousness and the world around us.
This article features copyrighted works by Kevin Dooley, Christof Koch, and Fmorm under CC BY 2.0 and CC BY-SA 3.0 respectively.
