The material phenomenology of Michel Henry: a study on subjectivity and intersubjectivity

Abstract

The objective of this study is to present the material phenomenology of Michel Henry based on subjectivity and intersubjectivity. It has its absolute beginning in the original life of each Self that is pure self-affection and how the act of affection of the Self implies the realization and growth of the Self and others in the intersubjective relationship. The latter is manifested in culture. On the other hand, failure to realize the Self makes growth impossible and compromises it. The displacement of the original affectivity can lead to barbarism. The thesis I advocate is that barbarism can only be mitigated in the intersubjective relationship.