Phenomenology and Non-phenomenology

If the greatest lesson of phenomenology is that it remains incomplete and open, then its place in relation to our natural theorizing needs reconsideration. This means situating phenomenology and other “non-phenomenological” fields side by side. Merleau-Ponty says, for example, that phenomenology and the sciences are related concentrically rather than hierarchically. In view of his concentrical attitude, I reconsider the relation between Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology and nature. I also reconsider some of the remarks Merleau-Ponty makes in the Preface about the difference between phenomenology and psychology. I finally consider and problematize a remark, made by Bréhier during the discussion period, that Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology is better served by art and literature and even “results in a novel.”