Author's introduction

pp. 1-10

in: Aron Gurwitsch, The collected works of Aron Gurwitsch (1901-1973) III, Berlin, Springer, 2010

Abstract

Experience always presents us with objects, things, events, etc., within certain contexts and contextures, and never with isolated and scattered data and facts. Looking at a material thing, e.g., a book, we perceive it in certain surroundings. We see the table on which the book is lying, we see other books, papers, pencils, pipes, and through the window a segment of scenery outside the house. Every material thing is perceived amidst other things which form a background for its appearance. Correspondingly, the same is true with regard to thinking. When we are dealing with some theoretical problem, more than the problem alone is given to consciousness.