Examining Nature of Consciousness through Heidegger's Interpretations of φυσις and Ψυχη and His Criticisms of Scientism

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD candidate of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Islamic Philosophy and Wisdom Department, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

3 Assistant Professor of Philosophy Department, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

Abstract

By giving a new definition of Aristotle’s φυσις and Ψυχη Heidegger criticizes science and scientism. Through these interpretations and criticisms, we can infer his opinions about consciousness. Heidegger translates φυσις as “Being itself” and maintains that it is expressed by μορφη that demonstrate a change in the spectrum. The μορφη, indeed, is the consciousness, which is also referred to as lived experience by Heidegger. It has different layers namely behavioral-perceptional, social, and pre-personal layers. He argues that by objectifying experiences, science eliminates the non-objective aspect of lived experience. It is not possible for science to study lived experience. Therefore, a science of the consciousness about the nature of consciousness is not attainable; because, consciousness is no longer consciousness when it becomes the subject of scientific examination. Heidegger rents different terms to interpret consciousness such as μορφη, truth, λόγος, and categories. He argues that consciousness in all these terms includes a duality that its relationship with an external affair is preserved. It appears that consciousness, φυσις and Being are intertwined in Heidegger’s viewpoint. He emphasizes that consciousness is man or Dassin’s connection with the external world and whatever inferred from this connection, including science, is of second order.

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References

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Journal of Philosophical Investigations
Volume 15, Issue 37 - Serial Number 37
Special Issue
Special Issue: Interaction Between Sciences and Philosophy (In Persian)
2021
Pages 326-347

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