Understanding Phenomenology

Understanding Phenomenology traces phenomenology's historical development, beginning with its founder, Edmund Husserl, and his "pure" or "transcendental" phenomenology and continuing with the later, "existential" phenomenology of Heidegger, Sartre, and Merleau-Ponty. The book also assesses critical responses to phenomenology by philosophers ranging from Derrida to Dennett as well as the continued significance of phenomenology for philosophy today.

Written for those encountering phenomenology for the first time, the book guides the reader through the often bewildering array of technical concepts and jargon, and provides clear explanations and helpful examples to encourage and enhance engagement with the primary texts.