Husserl, representationalism, and the theory of phenomenal intentionality

Abstract

AbstractRepresentationalism is a philosophical position which reduces all phenomenal conscious states to intentional states. However, starting from the phenomenal consciousness, the phenomenal intentionality theory provides an explanation of all sorts of intentionality. Against Michael Shim's interpretation, I argue that, although Hussserl's phenomenology is certainly considered as an antipode of strong representationalism, Husserl does not stand in opposition the weak representationalists, because Husserl maintains an essential connection between the senses of noemata and the hyletic data. In addition, Husserl's phenomenology is also consistent with the phenomenal theory of intentionality. According to him, statically and genetically, all non‐phenomenal intentional states take a recourse to phenomenal intentional states and eventually to sensual perceptions.