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Phenomenon 1

Phenomenon

A phenomenon (Greek: φαινόμενoν, phainomenon, from the verb φαίνειν, phainein, "to show, shine, appear, to be

manifest (or manifest itself)"), plural phenomena, is any observable occurrence.[1]

Phenomena are often, but not

always, understood as 'appearances' or 'experiences'. These are themselves sometimes understood as involving

qualia.

The term came into its modern philosophical usage through Immanuel Kant, who contrasted it with the noumenon

(for which he used the term  Ding an sich, or "thing-in-itself"). In contrast to a phenomenon, a noumenon is not

directly accessible to observation. Kant was heavily influenced by Leibniz in this part of his philosophy, in which

phenomenon and noumenon serve as interrelated technical terms.

Cloud chamber phenomena. Scientists use

phenomena to refine some hypotheses and

sometimes to disprove a theory. See also

Animated Version.

Modern philosophical usage

In modern philosophical use, the term 'phenomena' has come to mean

what is experienced as given. In Immanuel Kant's  Inaugural

 Dissertation, On the Form and Principles of the Sensible and 

 Intelligible World  (1770), Kant theorizes that the human mind is

restricted to the logical world and thus can only interpret and

understand occurrences according to their physical appearances. He

wrote that humans could infer only as much as their senses allowed,

but not experience the actual object itself. Thus, the term phenomenon

refers to any incident deserving of inquiry and investigation, especially

events that are particularly unusual or of distinctive importance.

According to The Columbia Encyclopedia, "Modern philosophers have

used 'phenomenon' to designate what is apprehended before judgment

is applied."

Scientific phenomena

A comparison between a candle flame on Earth

(left) and in a microgravity environment, such as

that found on the ISS (right).

The same phenomenon is observed as appearing

differently.

In scientific usage, a phenomenon is any event that is observable,

however common it might be, even if it requires the use of 

instrumentation to observe, record, or compile data concerning it. For

example, in physics, a phenomenon may be a feature of matter, energy,

or spacetime, such as Isaac Newton's observations of the moon's orbit

and of gravity, or Galileo Galilei's observations of the motion of a

pendulum.[2] Another example of scientific phenomena can be found in

the experience of phantom limb sensations. This occurrence, the

sensation of feeling in amputated limbs, is reported by over 70% of 

amputees. Although the limb is no longer present, they report still

experiencing sensations. This is an extraordinary event that defies

typical logic and has been a source of much curiosity within the

medical and physiological fields.[3]

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Phenomenon 2

The combustion of a match is an

observable occurrence, or event,

and therefore a phenomenon.

Mechanical phenomena

A mechanical phenomenon is a physical phenomenon associated with the

equilibrium or motion of objects.

Gem phenomena

In gemology, a phenomenon is an unusual optical effect that is displayed by a gem.

Play-of-color, labradorescence, iridescence, adularescence, chatoyancy, asterism,

aventurescence, lustre and color change are all phenomena of this type.

Popular phenomena

In popular usage, a phenomenon often refers to an extraordinary event. The term is

most commonly used to refer to occurrences that at first defy explanation or baffle

the observer. According to the Dictionary of Visual Discourse, "In ordinarylanguage 'phenomenon/ phenomena' refer to any occurrence worthy of note and investigation, typically an untoward

or unusual event, person or fact that is of special significance or otherwise notable."

Group and social phenomena

Group phenomena concern the behavior of a particular group of individual entities, usually organisms and most

especially people. The behavior of individuals often changes in a group setting in various ways, and a group may

have its own behaviors not possible for an individual because of the herd mentality.

Social phenomena apply especially to organisms and people in that subjective states are implicit in the term.

Attitudes and events particular to a group may have effects beyond the group, and either be adapted by the largersociety, or seen as aberrant, being punished or shunned.

References

[1] New Oxford American Dictionary (2nd ed.)

[2][2] Jeremy Bernstein, A Theory for Everything, Copernicus, An imprint of Springer-Verlag, New York, 1996, hardback, ISBN 0-387-94700-0

[3][3] Montoyaa, Pedro, , Wolfgang Larbiga, Norbert Grulkea, Herta Florb, Edward Taubc, and Niels Birbaumera. "The Relationship of Phantom

Limb Pain to Other Phantom Limb Phenomena in Upper Extremity Amputees." Pain 72 (1997): 87-93. ScienceDirect.com. ScieVerse. Web.

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Article Sources and ContributorsPhenomenon  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=573056596 Contributors: *drew, 3dit g0d, 4twenty42o, Abhishekitmbm, Adimovk5, Aitias, Akhil999in, Alan Liefting,

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