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Epoché and Protoexistence: Toward a Genetic Phenomenology of Experiential Emergence.

Cristóbal Pacheco, Pablo Fossa

Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science September 12, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-026-10027-y (opens in new tab)

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Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Qualitative Peer reviewed
Topics Philosophy of mind
Keywords Epoché Experiential emergence Genetic phenomenology Protoexistence Qualitative phenomenology
Key points Argues that epoché should be conceptualized as a sustained discipline of epistemic suspension, attentional reorientation, and phenomenological restraint rather than a one-time bracketing technique. Proposes that "protoexistence" be reformulated as a heuristic for incomplete experiential stabilization, in which intentionality, self-relatedness, embodiment, affectivity, and temporality remain operative but weakly coordinated, unstable, or reorganizing, thereby distinguishing experiential instability from absence of structure.

Abstract

This theoretical-conceptual essay reconsiders epoché in qualitative phenomenological research and its relation to experiential emergence. Rather than a one-time technique of bracketing, epoché is conceptualized as a sustained discipline of epistemic suspension, attentional reorientation, and phenomenological restraint. On this basis, protoexistence is reformulated as a heuristic for incomplete experiential stabilization rather than as a pre-subjective, pre-intentional, or pre-temporal domain. It refers to configurations in which intentionality, self-relatedness, embodiment, affectivity, and temporality remain operative but are weakly coordinated, unstable, or undergoing reorganization. This formulation distinguishes experiential instability from the absence of structure and situates protoexistence in continuity with genetic phenomenology. The article concludes by outlining methodological safeguards and the implications of this framework for investigating unstable or emerging forms of lived experience.

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