Merleau-Ponty's critical phenomenology and research in Psychology

Abstract

The study seeks to establish a correlation between Maurice Merleau-Ponty's phenomenological thinking and research in Psychology. The author's philosophical apparatus, regarding intentionality and the body itself, understood as foundations of critical phenomenology, led to a new approach in the interpretation of human experiences. It is a study with a qualitative bias in which we base the research on the literature review, bringing some theoretical constructs considered pertinent to the understanding of the theme: the notion of one's own body in Merleau-Ponty, Applications of critical phenomenology in Psychology, The relationship between subject and object in perception, Research methodologies in phenomenological Psychology, Phenomenological interviews proper: understanding pluridimensionality, Case studies and phenomenological analysis, Interpretation and meaning in phenomenological research, Challenges and criticisms of the phenomenological approach in Psychology, Objectivity and subjectivity in phenomenological research. It is concluded that the integration between Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology and contemporary theories can provide a solid basis for exploring new horizons in research and professional practice. It can, in our view, open avenues for the investigation of emerging psychological phenomena, such as the overwhelming impacts of constantly evolving technology and virtuality on the human experience.