Phenomenological Elucidation Research Articles

Sexmodifying operations on transsexuals in Denmark in the period 1950--1977.

In Denmark registration of all sex change applicants has become centralized, sice removal by operation of biologically healthy sexual organs cannot be performed unless authorized by the Ministry of Justice.All sex change applications in the period 1920–77 are examined and notes have been taken of the historical preconditions of operative treatment of transsexuals and the varying decisions regarding method of treatment. The first legal castration in Denmark – described as a sensation in the international press – was carried out without any further knowledge of transsexulalism as a nosological unity. It was believed that the patient was a suffering homosexual and that the suffering was caused by libidinal pressue, and so castration was sanctioned.It is pointed out that since the end of the fifties there has been more reservation in complying with wishes for castration, while wishes for change of name and identity number (in his country females have even numbers, while males have odd numbers) are complied with to a much higher degree than earlier. The number of persons applying for change of name, castration, and permission to publicly cross‐dress has been recorded, and an approximately fivefold incidence of sex changes applicants is found in the period from 1950 to 1977. This increase is not solely ascribed to a rise in the number of transsexuals, but it is more likely due to better operative treatment causing applications form more potential petitioners. The relation between applying males and females has tended to be equalizing through the last three decades, so that ratio males:females is 2.8:1 in the secventies. The importance of a care ful psychiatric phenomenological elucidation before deciding on sexodifying changes is stressed.

The Foundation of Phenomenology. Edmund Husserl and the Quest for a Rigorous Science of Philosophy

In this widely hailed and long out of print classic of twentieth century philosophic commentary, Professor Farber explains the origin, development, and function of phenomenology with a view towards its significance for philosophy in general.The book offers a general account of Husserl and the background of his philosophy. The early chapters are devoted to his mathematical-philosophical and psychological studies. The refutation of psychologism is present in detail, together with the critical reaction to it. The development of his logical theories in the light of contemporary literature at the close of the 19th century is next considered. The main content of the six Logical Investigations follows, which contribute to the phenomenological elucidation of experience and knowledge. The phenomenological philosophy of logic as developed in Husserl's later writings is then introduced, followed by a discussion of the phenomenological method and its proper function. Farber makes clear his preference for phenomenology as a purely descriptive method and his opposition to have it serve as a last stronghold of metaphysics.Indispensable as groundwork for descriptive philosophical study, this book will deeply interest not only serious students of philosophy and psychology, but also those who are concerned with the philosophical aspects of mathematics, social and natural sciences, law and psychiatry.