Meaning: The quote "Pure phenomenology claims to be the science of pure phenomena. This concept of the phenomenon, which was developed under various names as early as the eighteenth century without being clarified, is what we shall have to deal with first of all." by Edmund Husserl, a prominent philosopher, encapsulates the essence of his philosophical framework and approach to the study of phenomena. Phenomenology, as developed by Husserl, is a branch of philosophy that focuses on the study of human consciousness and the structures of experience. In order to understand the quote and its significance, it is necessary to delve into the context of phenomenology and Husserl's contributions to this philosophical discipline.

Phenomenology, as a philosophical movement, emerged in the early 20th century with the work of Edmund Husserl, who is often regarded as the founder of this school of thought. The central aim of phenomenology is to investigate the structures of experience and consciousness from a first-person perspective, emphasizing the importance of subjective experience in understanding the world. Husserl sought to establish phenomenology as a rigorous science, distinct from natural sciences and empirical methodologies, by focusing on the pure, unprejudiced observation of phenomena.

In the quote, Husserl asserts that pure phenomenology is the science of pure phenomena. This statement underscores the foundational principle of phenomenology, which is the exploration of phenomena as they appear in consciousness, without presuppositions or theoretical frameworks. Husserl's emphasis on "pure" phenomena highlights the need to approach experience and consciousness without preconceived notions or biases, in order to capture the essence of the phenomena themselves.

Furthermore, Husserl refers to the concept of the phenomenon, which he suggests has been developed under various names since the eighteenth century without being fully elucidated. Here, he alludes to the historical evolution of the concept of phenomenon and the need to clarify its meaning within the context of phenomenology. The phenomenon, in phenomenological terms, refers to that which appears to consciousness, encompassing both the objects of perception and the act of perceiving them. By emphasizing the need to deal with the concept of the phenomenon as a foundational task, Husserl underscores the importance of understanding the nature of experience and perception in the pursuit of pure phenomenological inquiry.

Husserl's approach to phenomenology has had a profound impact on various fields including philosophy, psychology, and the social sciences. His method of phenomenological reduction, also known as epoché, involves suspending all assumptions about the external world and focusing solely on the phenomena as they present themselves to consciousness. This radical method of inquiry has influenced diverse philosophical movements and has been instrumental in shaping the development of existentialism, hermeneutics, and phenomenological psychology.

In summary, the quote by Edmund Husserl encapsulates the core principles of phenomenology as a science of pure phenomena and underscores the significance of clarifying the concept of the phenomenon in the pursuit of phenomenological inquiry. Husserl's philosophical contributions have paved the way for a deeper understanding of human consciousness, subjective experience, and the intricate structures of phenomena. His emphasis on the rigorous study of pure phenomena without presuppositions continues to inspire philosophical reflection and interdisciplinary research, making his work a cornerstone of modern phenomenological thought.