0007 There is something funny about the last blog.

Phenomenology_3b virtually situates hands-on natural science_3a by bracketing out the empirio-schematic judgment_2a and asking phenomena, “What must the noumenon_1a be_1b?”

Visionary science_2b virtually situates hands-on natural science_3a by unfolding the empirio-schematic judgment_2a into a situation-level nested form, where the normal context of disciplinary language_3b brings the actuality of mathematical and mechanicals models_2b into relation with the potential of observations and measurements_1b.

0008 Phenomenology_3b faces the delicate task of framing its identification of what the noumenon_1a must be_1b without using metaphysical terms.  Why?  The content-level normal context, the positivist intellect_3a has a rule that says, “Metaphysics is not allowed.”

What else is not allowed?

Common sense.

0009 Visionary science_3b says that the model_2b is what the noumenon_1a must be_2b.  The goal is to replace the thing itself_1a.

For example, a bird in flight_1a flaps its wings_1a.

The bird in flight is a noumenon, a thing itself_1a.  The flapping-wings are phenomena_1a, observable and measurable facets of the thing itself_1a.  The idea_2a that the flapping wings resist gravity models_2a the resulting observations and measurements_2a.  Plus, the idea_2a must be properly configured according to the disciplinary language of physics_2a.  Gravity is part of that model.

0010 The visionary scientist then boldy situates the above example as a facet of this grand law_2b, the law of gravity_2b, which determines laboratory observations of birds in flight_1b, and therefore becomes the thing itself_1a(2b).  Now, birds in flight_1a are phenomena_1a that objectify what the noumenon_1a must be_2b (that is, gravity_2b.)

0011 The phenomenologist takes a completely different path, using phenomenological reduction_2b to bracket out the empirio-schematic judgment_2a in order to intuitively assess what the noumenon_1a must be_1b.  This is how Husserl returns to the noumenon_1b.

Ideally (or I should say, “transcendentally”) phenomenological reduction_2b regards phenomena_1a, the observable and measurable facets_1a of the thing itself_1a, without science-work_2a in mind at all (except for the positivist intellect_3a saying, “No metaphysics.”).

0012 Try the exercise.  Imagine the flapping-wings business, not as a way to resist gravity, but as a way to use something in order to survive.  Oh, bracket out even that.  What do the flapping wings, the tucked in feet, and the determination of the bird say to me?  The bird in flight is embodied, enactive, enchanting and entertaining.  Now, fix the consciousness in order to identify what the noumenon_1a must be_1b.

Does the word, “sail”, come to mind.

Wings are to birds as sails are to boats?

0012 As soon as wings are sails, then the phenomenologist walks out of the room and the hands-on natural scientist says, “Hey, did you hear that?  What an excellent idea.  Let us model the phenomena of flapping wings as sails, instead of things that resist gravity.”

0013 Meanwhile, some visionary scientist stands at a podium, accepting an award for A Visionary Application of Science,from the Academy of Important and Tenured Figureheads, for his declaration that gravity is a noumenon_1a(2b) and birds in flight are its phenomena_1a.

0013 Comments on Jack Reynolds’ Book (2018) “Phenomenology, Naturalism and Science”, is available at smashwords and other e-book venues.

How do I find the work?

Search for Razie Mah and the series, Phenomenology and the Positivist Intellect.

Here are some lessons.

Visionary science virtually situates hands-on natural science.

Phenomenology virtually situates hands-on natural science.

Phenomenology and visionary science are at odds.

Phenomenology hinders visionary science from completing its self-anointed task.

There is something funny, dramatic, and wonderful about the insights that phenomenology offers.

The category-based nested form and the triadic structure of judgment allow the inquirer to explore Peircean implications of Jack Reynolds’ book.  What a tale these implications tell.