Phenomenology

This translation of Lyotard''s first book, La Phenomenologie, supplies an important link to Lyotard''s more recent works. Phenomenology presents a commentary on the phenomenological movement. From the dual perspectives of a work on, and of, phenomenology, Lyotard''s text profiles the different aspects of phenomenology, focusing particularly on the writings of Hegel, Husserl, Merleau-Ponty, and Tran Duc Thao. Phenomenology marks a particular episode in Lyotard''s reflections on the "philosophical project" and is emblematic of his critical reflections on philosophy''s involvements in routine, daily commitments. Like Merleau-Ponty, in this work Lyotard eliminates philosophy as a "separate existence." Beyond offering an account of certain phenomenological themes, Lyotard''s commentary explicates phenomenology''s relevance to psychology, sociology, and history.