Phenomenology of Perception

Phenomenology of Perception cover
Good Books rating 4.17
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Technical
  • ID: 5374
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781134470099
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published: 2002-03-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Phenomenology of Perception is a seminal work by Maurice Merleau-Ponty that revolutionizes our understanding of perception. By focusing on the body's role, Merleau-Ponty argues that our physical presence in the world is fundamental to how we perceive and interact with it. He uses case studies, including those of brain-damaged patients from World War I, to illustrate how the body influences perception, speech, sexuality, and our relationships with others. This book is a challenging yet rewarding exploration that brings the body back to the center of philosophical inquiry, a shift not seen since Plato./n/nMerleau-Ponty's work is impressive in its scope and imagination, offering a fresh perspective on phenomenology. It bridges the gap between abstract philosophical concepts and concrete human experiences, making it a pivotal text in the field. The book's insights extend beyond philosophy, touching on psychology, neuroscience, and even social interactions, making it a multifaceted and enduring contribution to intellectual discourse.

Reviews
Lotz in Translation · 2021-11-03
insightful 4.50

The review highlights the depth and complexity of Merleau-Ponty's work, emphasizing its enduring relevance. It praises the new translation for making this classic accessible to modern readers.

This review delves into the intricate layers of 'Phenomenology of Perception,' celebrating its profound insights into human experience. The reviewer appreciates how the book grounds experience in the body, offering a fresh perspective on perception and action. They particularly commend the new translation for its clarity and accuracy, making this philosophical masterpiece more approachable for contemporary readers. The reviewer also notes the book's timeless relevance, making it a must-read for anyone interested in phenomenology.


Quick quotes

    This new translation, the first for over fifty years, makes this classic work of philosophy available to a new generation of readers.

    The book's enduring relevance is a testament to Merleau-Ponty's profound insights.

    The clarity and accuracy of the new translation make this philosophical masterpiece more approachable for contemporary readers.

Reddit - AskPhilosophy · 2012-08-15
rewarding 4.00

The reviewer finds the book to be an immensely difficult read but highly rewarding. They appreciate the book's depth and complexity, making it a valuable resource for philosophical exploration.

This review highlights the challenging nature of 'Phenomenology of Perception,' noting that it is not an easy read. However, the reviewer finds the book to be incredibly rich and thought-provoking, offering new insights with each reading. They appreciate the book's depth and complexity, making it a rewarding experience for those willing to engage with its ideas. The reviewer also notes the book's unique perspective on perception and action, grounded in the body, which sets it apart from other philosophical works. They recommend starting with the introduction to ease into the book's dense content.


Quick quotes

    Phenomenology of Perception is an immensely difficult read but it's so incredibly rich and thought-provoking.

    I always find something new with every reading.

    The introduction is a good place to start with phenomenology.

thought-provoking 4.00

The reviewer acknowledges the book's challenging nature but praises its rich and thought-provoking content. They find the book to be immensely rewarding despite its difficulty.

This review acknowledges the challenging nature of 'Phenomenology of Perception,' noting that it is not an easy read. However, the reviewer finds the book to be incredibly rich and thought-provoking, offering new insights with each reading. They appreciate the book's depth and complexity, making it a rewarding experience for those willing to engage with its ideas. The reviewer also highlights the book's unique perspective on perception and action, grounded in the body, which sets it apart from other philosophical works.


Quick quotes

    Phenomenology of Perception is an immensely difficult read but it's so incredibly rich and thought-provoking.

    I always find something new with every reading.

    This classical work famously grounds experience in the body, showing how the latter conditions perception and action in various domains.