A critical and phenomenological genealogy of the question of the real in Western economics and management
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to answer the following question: where does our capacity for epoche, for decentration, for suspending representations come from? This question is an important one if we accept, as phenomenology does, that this is how we can find the meaning of our life and our actions.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to answer this question the paper undertakes a critical genealogy of what those in the Western world consider to be the real, stressing how much Western thought overestimates the reality of what can be seen, measured, and calculated, and underestimates the experience of interiority by silencing the real dynamic of development of each person's lives.
Findings
Following on from Michel Henry's phenomenology the paper shows how epoche, decentring is precisely about paying attention to this very real dynamic of development of life with others. Suspending for a while the representations and calculations and allowing people to be guided by such dynamic is therefore totally justified. Moreover, because it is fully embodied, this dynamic gives us the power and strength to engage in reasonable and responsible action. Two experiences recounted by managers illustrate this point.
Originality/value
The paper shows that phenomenological epoche is not about speculation, it is not idealism, but a totally realistic, practicable choice.
Keywords
Citation
Faÿ, E. (2007), "A critical and phenomenological genealogy of the question of the real in Western economics and management", Society and Business Review, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 193-203. https://doi.org/10.1108/17465680710757402
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited