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International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Journal | Volume | Article

221754

On Husserl's exhibition principle

Andrea Marchesi

pp. 97-116

Abstract

According to Husserl's so-called Exhibition Principle (Prinzip der Ausweisbarkeit; henceforth: EP), the propositions "x exists' and "The exhibition of x's existence is possible" are equivalent. The overall aim of this paper is to debate EP. First, I raise the question whether EP can properly be said to be a principle. Second, I give a general formulation of EP. Third, I examine specific formulations of EP, namely those regarding eidetic and individual objects. Fourth, I identify the readings of EP I hold to be exegetically plausible, that is the transcendental reading, the metaphysical reading, and the hybrid reading. Fifth, I present Husserl's refutation of Berkeleyan idealism developed in 1902/03 lectures, and I argue that under certain assumptions, both esse est percipi and the metaphysical EP engender an infinite regress. In this regard, I claim there are two options for avoiding such a regress: either to commit oneself to reflexive exhibition of the ego's actuality or to deny the universality of EP. I show that Husserl has a good argument for rejecting the first option, and I conclude that if the Husserlian idealist chooses the second option while affirming the ego's actuality, he turns out to be as "dogmatic" as the realist.

Publication details

Published in:

(2019) Husserl Studies 35 (2).

Pages: 97-116

DOI: 10.1007/s10743-019-09242-w

Full citation:

Marchesi Andrea (2019) „On Husserl's exhibition principle“. Husserl Studies 35 (2), 97–116.