This paper analyzes Hans Blumenberg’s critical interpretation of Husserl’s concept of the ‘lifeworld’. It examines the extent to which this concept can be understood as a boundary concept produced by the theoretical and technical attitude of modernity that it seeks to oppose, in an attempt to recover the ordinary dimension of human experience. From this perspective, the lifeworld is interpreted as one of the last conceptual scaffolds that modern human beings have constructed for themselves within the cave they inhabit. The paper also reconstructs the genesis of the concept of the ‘lifeworld’, tracing it back to Husserl’s engagement with the empirio-criticism of Mach and Avenarius, and highlights the biological-evolutionary dimension that the concept tends to conceal. Finally, through an analysis of Husserl’s letter to Lévy-Bruhl of March 11, 1935, the article critically engages with Blumenberg’s interpretation, showing how, with the concept of the ‘lifeworld’, Husserl ultimately aims to bring to light the intrinsic rationality of human socio-cultural life.
Blumenberg e il mondo della vita di Husserl come caverna
MANCA D
2026-01-01
Abstract
This paper analyzes Hans Blumenberg’s critical interpretation of Husserl’s concept of the ‘lifeworld’. It examines the extent to which this concept can be understood as a boundary concept produced by the theoretical and technical attitude of modernity that it seeks to oppose, in an attempt to recover the ordinary dimension of human experience. From this perspective, the lifeworld is interpreted as one of the last conceptual scaffolds that modern human beings have constructed for themselves within the cave they inhabit. The paper also reconstructs the genesis of the concept of the ‘lifeworld’, tracing it back to Husserl’s engagement with the empirio-criticism of Mach and Avenarius, and highlights the biological-evolutionary dimension that the concept tends to conceal. Finally, through an analysis of Husserl’s letter to Lévy-Bruhl of March 11, 1935, the article critically engages with Blumenberg’s interpretation, showing how, with the concept of the ‘lifeworld’, Husserl ultimately aims to bring to light the intrinsic rationality of human socio-cultural life.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
