Danged Noumena: Kant Versus Husserl on "The Thing-In-Itself" with Matt Bower
Apr 15, 2024
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Philosophy scholar Matt Bower discusses Kant and Husserl's perspectives on 'the thing-in-itself.' They explore the concepts of perception, intuition, and the limitations of understanding reality beyond appearances. The conversation delves into the intersection of analytic philosophy with phenomenology, dissecting Husserl's notions of adequacy, inadequacy, and imagination in accessing true nature.
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Quick takeaways
Husserl explores limitations of human cognition in perceiving reality as it truly is.
Adequacy versus inadequacy shapes Husserl's philosophical inquiry into human understanding.
Husserl's distinction between nonsense and counter sense reveals boundaries of meaningful thought.
Deep dives
The Problem of the Thing in Itself and Its Philosophical Implications
Husserl's exploration of the thing in itself delves into the depths of adequacy and inadequacy in human cognition. He challenges the notion of experiencing reality as it truly is, highlighting the limitations of our perceptual understanding. The concept of counter sense emerges, denoting thoughts that cannot coexist due to their inherent contradictions. Husserl's rationalist approach focuses on completeness and rationality within human cognition, addressing the persistent philosophical dilemma surrounding the thing in itself.
Husserl's Approach to Perceptual Experience and Adequacy
Husserl's analysis of perceptual experience unveils the inherent inadequacy of our cognition, particularly in viewing objects partially rather than comprehensively. The notion of adequacy versus inadequacy shapes his philosophical inquiry, emphasizing the limits of human understanding. Through the concept of a regulative principle, Husserl navigates the complexities of cognition, offering a path towards a more comprehensive knowledge of reality.
The Role of Nonsense and Counter Sense in Phenomenological Inquiry
Husserl's distinction between nonsense and counter sense reveals critical insights into the boundaries of meaningful thought. Nonsense arises from incoherent linguistic expressions, while counter sense signifies thoughts that challenge the coherence of rational discourse. By recognizing and engaging with counter sense, Husserl grapples with the inherent limits of human cognition, emphasizing the importance of coherence and meaningful thought in philosophical exploration.
Future Directions in Phenomenology and the Question of Finitude
The concept of the thing in itself remains a compelling and enduring problem in philosophy, questioning the boundaries of human understanding. Husserl's exploration of finitude and perceptual learning opens new avenues for research, connecting phenomenological methodology with advancements in psychology and cognitive science. By delving into the complexities of perceptual experience and the limits of cognition, phenomenology continues to offer unique insights into the nature of human perception and knowledge.
Connecting Phenomenology with Perceptual Learning and Consciousness
Husserl's investigation into perceptual learning and consciousness presents a bridge between traditional philosophical inquiry and contemporary research in psychology and cognitive science. By examining the malleability of perceptual experience and the role of sense-making in cognition, Husserl's phenomenological methodology enriches the discourse on consciousness and learning. Engaging with the liberation of the senses as proposed by figures like Markuse, Husserl's approach sheds light on the dynamic interaction between perception, reason, and the transformative potential of human experience.
Is there a reality beyond appearance which we cannot access? Matt Bower joins us to discuss Kant’s “the thing-in-itself” and Husserl’s response to Kantian ideas about the nature of perception.
