Section Classical Phenomenology
Phenomenology as a philosophical movement emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. It was significantly influenced by the founding figure Edmund Husserl. The primary object of investigation is the structures of consciousness. Central questions of phenomenology include the following:
- How can the relationship between consciousness and the world be grasped?
- How is objective knowledge possible?
- What does being valuable mean in the context of cultural diversity and difference?
- How are the individual and the social interwoven in the structure of human experience?
- How can the rational and scientific explanatory models of the world be understood?
One characteristic of the phenomenological method is its descriptive-apriori character. Roughly speaking, this means that the answers to the above questions are preceded by methodologically precise descriptions of the relevant experiences of consciousness.
In Graz we understand phenomenology as a philosophical analysis of experience that encompasses the entire spectrum of human experience and agency (physical, mental, social). Phenomenologists in Graz are working on central topics of theoretical philosophy, practical philosophy and the history of philosophy.
Current research projects
Cluster of Excellence project Knowledge in Crisis
Subproject 4.1: Can moral objectivity be defended in a world of apparently irreconcilable disagreement? (Values in Crisis)
project duration: October 1, 2023-September 30, 2028
Quantum Mechanics and Phenomenology: Specifying the Philosophical Foundations of QBism
Funders:in: Countries (incl. their foundations and institutions); Project leader: Philipp Berghofer
Duration: 01.10.2023 - 30.09.2024
The Ontology and Future of Gauge Theories
FWF stand-alone project; Project leader: Philipp Berghofer
Duration: 01.06.2023 - 31.05.2027
Akrasia and Weakness of Will: Toward a Phenomenological Approach
FWF Esprit Program; Project leader: Denis Dzanic
Duration: 03.10.2022 - 02.10.2025
FWF Individual project; Project leader: Harald Wiltsche; Project collaborator: Philipp Berghofer
Duration: 01.03.2019 - 31.08.2024
Completed research projects
The Epistemology and Metaphysics of Essence and Modality
FWF Individual project P 29050
Laufzeit: 01.10.2016-31.03.2021
Project leader: Sonja Rinofner-Kriedl; Project collaborator: Michael Wallner
Thought experiments. A phenomenological investigation
FWF Schrödinger Program J 3114
Laufzeit: 01.04.2011-28.02.2014
Project leader: Harald Wiltsche
Subjectivity and Self-Effectivity. Investigating Self-Determination in Mentally ill Persons from the First-Person-Perspective
People Marie Curie Actions: Intra-European Fellowship (IEF)
Duration: 1.5.2010-14.2.2012
Project leader: Jann Schlimme; Co-applicant and co-supervisor: Sonja Rinofner-Kreidl
A phenomenologically based system of science
FWF Individual project P 18395
Duration: 01.10.2005 - 31.12.2007
Project leader: Sonja Rinofner-Kreidl; Project collaborator: Harald Wiltsche
A new view of the first-person perspective
FWF Individual project P 16955
Duration: 01.11.2003 - 31.03.2006
Project leader: Sonja Rinofner-Kreidl; Project assistant: Eva Schwarz
Austrian Society for Phenomenology
The Austrian Society for Phenomenology, led by members of the section Classical Phenomenology, is dedicated to the promotion of phenomenological philosophy in Austria. The society also supports the exchange between phenomenology and other philosophical traditions. Furthermore, it promotes transdisciplinary work at the interface between phenomenology and the social, cultural, formal and natural sciences.
Phenomenology Forum Graz (PFG)
The Phenomenology Forum Graz PFG, founded and led by Philipp Berghofer and Michael Wallner, is an irregular online discussion group in which current work in progress of any kind (article drafts, book manuscripts, etc.) and occasionally recent publications are discussed. The underlying aim of the forum is to strengthen phenomenological research through constructive-critical feedback.
Head of Section
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr.phil. Sonja Rinofner
+43 316 380 - 2310
Institut für Philosophie
Mi. 9.30 - 10.30 u. nach Vereinbarung
https://homepage.uni-graz.at/de/sonja.rinofner/