Reflexivity in Heideggerian Hermeneutic Phenomenology: The Hermeneutic Phenomenological Circle
Ken Hok Man Ho, D. Cheung, Sharon L. Bourke, D. Edvardsson
Journal of Advanced Nursing April 7, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16950 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | Proposes a hermeneutic phenomenological circle, comprising four relations between Being, the interpreter, and being, as a tool for reflexivity in hermeneutic phenomenological research. Argues that reflexivity requires knowledge of hermeneutic phenomenology's philosophy and that the circle helps researchers anchor reflections in Heidegger's notions of Being and temporality. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Aim To discuss reflexivity for conducting hermeneutic phenomenology and to present the hermeneutic phenomenological circle.
Design: Discussion paper.
Methods: We employed data on the lived experience of loneliness of older adults in residential care homes during the COVID‐19 pandemic to demonstrate the reflexivity required for hermeneutic phenomenology. We showcased a reflective process grounded in Heidegger's notions of Being and temporality to uncover the context of meaningfulness and its temporal influence on being.
Results: We proposed a hermeneutic phenomenological circle encompassing four relations passing between Being, the interpreter and being. The circle was successfully applied to demonstrate the reflexivity required to conduct hermeneutic phenomenology.
Conclusions: Engaging in reflexivity requires the researcher to develop knowledge about the philosophy of hermeneutic phenomenology. The hermeneutic phenomenological circle facilitates researchers in anchoring their reflections in Being and temporality.
Implications: The hermeneutic phenomenological circle serves as a useful tool for researchers/health professionals to learn hermeneutic phenomenology and to facilitate researchers/health professionals at all career stages to engage in reflexivity.
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| 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 |