The importance and limits of phenomenological philosophy of mind
[author unknown]
Abstract
The importance of The Phenomenological Mind cannot easily be overstated. Philosophy of mind is a predominantly analytical affair and up till now there has been relatively little recognition by analytical philosophers of the relevance of phenomenology as a philosophical discipline. This lack of recognition is sometimes explained in terms of hostility or presumed incommensurability. In all likelihood, ignorance is a better explanation and one couldn’t wish for a better remedy against that than this book. Phenomenology does have a lot to contribute to philosophy of mind, as Gallagher and Zahavi show. This book, being the first systematic overview of philosophy of mind from a phenomenological angle, may change what is generally perceived to be the standard range of problems and options in the philosophy of mind. The fact that it is a textbook—influencing future generations of philosophers—is strategically a very wise choice in this respect.