Object-Oriented Ontology’s View of Relations: a Phenomenological Critique

Floriana Ferro

doi:10.1515/opphil-2019-0040

Abstract

AbstractThis paper is focused on the possibility of a dialogue between Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO) and phenomenology, a dialogue concerning the problem of objects and relations. In the first part, the author shows what is interesting in OOO from a phenomenological perspective and why it should be considered as a challenge for contemporary philosophy. The second part develops the phenomenological perspective of the author, a perspective based on Merleau-Ponty’s “carnal” phenomenology, as well as some suggestions coming from the Italian school of Gaetano Kanizsa. The third part is dedicated to the objections of the author to the OOO view regarding the separation between objects and relations: a separation which leads to Harman’s quadruple object. In the concluding portion, the author shows that, despite evident differences between phenomenological and OOO’s views of relations, OOO offers new starting points for phenomenological reflections, thanks to its specific focus on objects and its pluralistic view of reality.

Highlights

When I started to read Graham Harman’s books and papers, my first impression was that the author was trying a new way among the philosophical approaches to the world
This paper is focused on the possibility of a dialogue between Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO) and phenomenology, a dialogue concerning the problem of objects and relations
The second part develops the phenomenological perspective of the author, a perspective based on Merleau-Ponty’s “carnal” phenomenology, as well as some suggestions coming from the Italian school of Gaetano Kanizsa

Summary

Introduction

When I started to read Graham Harman’s books and papers, my first impression was that the author was trying a new way among the philosophical approaches to the world. Those who like the phenomenological perspective – as I do – linger on their living experience (as a sort of aristocratic pleasure) but there comes a moment when they start reflecting. I will explain the phenomenological perspective to which I adhere concerning the subject, object, and relations This is necessary in order to understand the objections I will raise to OOO in the third part of this paper. I will express my view of the relation between phenomenology and OOO

The relevance of OOO’s perspective

A phenomenological criticism of OOO’s view of relations

Conclusion