PHENOMENOLOGY
What is Phenomenology?
Phenomenology concerns the patterns of perception whereby we experience the world: systems or components; here-and-now or elsewhere; unified or diversified. If we live in the present, both the past and the future may simply be regarded as surreal. If we operate with “your nose to the grind stone” 2we may never see or ask where such stones come from. If we perceive so much variety that no pattern is clear we may be oblivious to larger processes. The pairs characterizing phenomenology are at the opposite ends of parameters.
Presence vs. Absence
Do you focus on what is within the range of your senses, or are you oriented to distant but important factors? Even through you cannot always see the moon, it still causes tides. Even though you are only in one particular locale at one time, competitive goods and services from afar can still affect your prospects. Human culture is a collection of previous practices (science, art, technology) from various peoples and places elsewhere. The parameter connecting presence and absence indicates position, whether spatial or temporal.
Parts vs. Wholes
One of the most significant concepts of the modern age is that of system. Many books have been written on the science of systems, but the concept (or schema) of a system is not actually scientific, but rather philosophical. Systems, sub-systems, and super-systems are all phenomenological perceptions, not objective characteristics. Parts or wholes can be very useful ways of viewing the world, but either means is a choice, not a necessity. Parts and wholes are simply different aspects along the parameter of extension.
Unity vs. Diversity
The aspects of the experience of reality can be interpreted as either interdependent (unity) or as functionally autonomous (diversity). Conceiving of experience as unitary assists in rationalizing and implementing collective cooperation and coordination. Conceiving of experience as diverse assists in rationalizing and implementing individual independence and accomplishment. People experience both conditions, all of which are part of the phenomenological continuum of composition.
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