A lexicon of attention: from cognitive science to phenomenology

Author: Arvidson P.S.

Source: Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, Volume 2, Number 2, 2003 , pp. 99-132(34)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

This article tries to create a bridge of understanding between cognitive scientists and phenomenologists who work on attention. In light of a phenomenology of attention and current psychological and neuropsychological literature on attention, I translate and interpret into phenomenological terms 20 key cognitive science concepts as examined in the laboratory and used in leading journals. As a preface to the lexicon, I outline a phenomenology of attention, especially as a dynamic three-part structure, which I have freely amended from the work of phenomenologist and Gestalt philosopher Aron Gurwitsch (1901–1973). As a conclusion, I discuss the nature of subjectivity in attention and attention research, and whether attention might be the same as consciousness.

Keywords: attention; consciousness; Gurwitsch; margin; thematic context; theme

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Philosophy, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122, USA E-mail: arvidson@seattleu.edu

Publication date: 2003-01-01