The central task of phenomenology is to investigate the nature of consciousness and its relations to objects of various types. The present book introduces students and other readers to several foundational topics of phenomenological inquiry and illustrates phenomenologyâs contemporary relevance. The main topics include consciousness intentionality perception meaning and knowledge. The book also contains critical assessments of Edmund Husserlâs phenomenological method. It argues that knowledge is the most fundamental mode of consciousness and that the central theses constitutive of Husserlâs transcendental idealism are compatible with metaphysical realism regarding the objects of thought perception and knowledge. Helpful tools include introductions that help the reader segue from the previous chapter to the new one chapter conclusions and suggested reading lists of primary and some key secondary sources. Key Features: Elucidates and engages with contemporary work in analytic epistemology and philosophy of mind Provides clear prose explanations of the necessary distinctions and arguments required for understanding the subject Places knowledge at the center of phenomenological inquiry . Language: English