Single Idea 7113

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / H. Continental Philosophy / 2. Phenomenology]

Full Idea

The essential principle of phenomenology is that 'all consciousness is consciousness of something'.

Gist of Idea

Phenomenology assumes that all consciousness is of something

Source

Jean-Paul Sartre (Transcendence of the Ego [1937], I (B))

Book Reference

Sartre,Jean-Paul: 'The Transcendence of the Ego' [Routledge 2004], p.10


A Reaction

This idea is found well before Husserl, in Schopenhauer (Idea 4166). It seems to contradict a thought such as Locke's (Idea 1202), that self-awareness is a separate and distinct criterion for personal identity. Sartre gives a nice account.

Related Ideas

Idea 4166 A consciousness without an object is no consciousness [Schopenhauer]

Idea 1202 A person is intelligent, rational, self-aware, continuous, conscious [Locke]