Phenomenology: Creation and Construction of Knowledge

Abstract

This paper proposes a discussion about the creation and construction of knowledge through the phenomenological way of searching for meaning. Individuals continuously deal with creating meanings of their own lives. Each individual follows a unique way in order to create and construct meaning in any situation. The ability of learning that can be defined as a natural and inner intention of becoming self in the world can improve individual’s learning. The learner, as a meaning maker, creates new knowledge of the whole life process. Constructing the meaning of a phenomenon is the individual’s self-inquiry. Descriptions of concepts continuously change and new meanings of concepts are acquired. Self-inquiry about life can be described as the individual’s self-learning. Creation and construction of new knowledge corresponds with the individual’s ability of learning. Learning improves the capability of the individual as a self-creator and develops phenomenological understanding of life. Creation and construction of new knowledge is also concerned with individual’s learning ability, creative capability, freedom, subjectivity, way of thinking and perception of a phenomenon.

Phenomenological investigation is a key method of searching for meaning of life. This search develops personality so that the individual is interested in not only materialistic aspect but also spiritual aspect of his/her personality. This search can also help the individual to form his/her own personality depending on the creation and construction of the meaning of the world. Phenomenological learning should motivate the individual to form his/her personality for searching and constructing the meaning of life. Self-inquiry about life can promote creation and construction of new knowledge. Meanings develop within the endless conscious and unconscious processes in which new knowledge and products are created. The process of creation and the results of phenomenological inquiry cannot include verifiable knowledge. This process and results occur uniquely and authentically because of the individual’s self-interpretations of the world.