The practice of phenomenology: The case of Max van Manen.
Nursing Philosophy April 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1111/nup.12276 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | Argues that Max van Manen's presentation of phenomenology is problematic and that his book is abstruse and excessively complicated, and outlines a better way to apply phenomenology in non-philosophical contexts like nursing. |
Abstract
Since its inception, phenomenological philosophy has exerted an influence on empirical science. But what is the best way to practice, use and apply phenomenology in a non-philosophical context? How deeply rooted in phenomenological philosophy must qualitative research be in order to qualify as phenomenological? How many of the core commitments of phenomenology must it accept? In the following contribution, I will take a closer look at Max van Manen's work. I will argue that van Manen's understanding of and presentation of phenomenology is quite problematic and that his book Phenomenology of Practice rather than amounting to a clear and accessible presentation of the phenomenological method that would make it do-able to researchers who are not themselves professional philosophers is in fact both abstruse and excessively complicated. I will then turn to nursing, and by taking that as my example, outline a better way to apply and practice phenomenology.
Comparable studies
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| Psychosis as a state of aberrant salience: a framework linking biology, phenomenology, and pharmacology in schizophrenia. | 2003 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From dopamine to salience to psychosis--linking biology, pharmacology and phenomenology of psychosis. | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How do the brain's time and space mediate consciousness and its different dimensions? Temporo-spatial theory of consciousness (TTC). | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The phenomenology of deep brain stimulation-induced changes in OCD: an enactive affordance-based model. | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Investigating modes of being in the world: an introduction to Phenomenologically grounded qualitative research Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences February 16, 2021
- Phenomenological Research Needs to be Renewed: Time to Integrate Enactivism as a Flexible Resource International Journal of Qualitative Methods 2021
- A Phenomenological Paradigm for Empirical Research in Psychiatry and Psychology: Open Questions Frontiers in Psychology June 25, 2020
- Examination of self patterns: framing an alternative phenomenological interview for use in mental health research and clinical practice. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- When pain overwhelms the self: A phenomenological study of a new mode of suffering, based on adults' recollections of their worst pain episodes. Journal of Pain May 2, 2025
and 1 more in the library
Cites 7
- Phenomenology in nursing studies: New perspectives. International Journal of Nursing Studies May 1, 2019
- Applied phenomenology: why it is safe to ignore the epoché Continental Philosophy Review April 9, 2019
- The Phenomenological Mind December 22, 2007
- Describing one’s subjective experience in the second person: An interview method for the science of consciousness November 29, 2006
- Subjectivity and Selfhood December 9, 2005
and 2 more in the library