Phenomenology and Empirical Research

This chapter provides the reader with the background necessary to understanding the phenomenological perspective as it will be applied to artificial intelligence in the chapters that follow. In doing so, we explain phenomenology’s approach to empirical facts and logical reasoning, among other topics. We explain the key importance of awareness as a starting point for phenomenological understanding, as well as the key role that the “thing” plays in this philosophy. The importance of language to awareness is described, and the concept of signification is addressed in relation to the creation of meaning. This brings the discussion around the importance of applying a concept of embodiment as well as that of the linguistic field. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of how these concepts relate to the theme of artificial intelligence and its relationship to the lived world.

Keywords: Awareness, Empiricism, Linguistic Fields, Meaning, Phenomenology, Signification, Thing