Existence sustains essence. Merleau-Ponty.
PEP ASKS
I do not understand the following phrase of Merleau-Ponty in his book Phenomenology of perception: "My existence does not com from my antecedents, nor from my physical and social surroundings; it moves out toward them and sustains them." What means by antecedents? The parents?
CHAT GPT ANSWERS
In the context of Merleau-Ponty's *Phenomenology of Perception*, the term "antecedents" generally refers to all factors that might be considered as the prior causes or conditions that lead to one's existence. This can include not only biological factors, like your parents and genetic inheritance, but also historical, cultural, social, and environmental conditions that precede and surround an individual's existence. However, Merleau-Ponty is arguing that one's existence is not simply a result of these antecedents (like a chain of causes and effects). Instead, he emphasizes that existence is dynamic and intentional—it is an active engagement with the world. Rather than being passively shaped by these prior conditions (the antecedents), our existence *moves out toward them* and *sustains* them. In other words, we actively interpret, respond to, and give meaning to our antecedents and surroundings, rather than being determined by them. So, while "antecedents" can include parents, it also encompasses a much broader range of influences, and Merleau-Ponty is highlighting the active role of consciousness in shaping experience and existence.
I do not understand the following phrase of Merleau-Ponty in his book Phenomenology of perception: "My existence does not com from my antecedents, nor from my physical and social surroundings; it moves out toward them and sustains them." What means by antecedents? The parents?
CHAT GPT ANSWERS
In the context of Merleau-Ponty's *Phenomenology of Perception*, the term "antecedents" generally refers to all factors that might be considered as the prior causes or conditions that lead to one's existence. This can include not only biological factors, like your parents and genetic inheritance, but also historical, cultural, social, and environmental conditions that precede and surround an individual's existence. However, Merleau-Ponty is arguing that one's existence is not simply a result of these antecedents (like a chain of causes and effects). Instead, he emphasizes that existence is dynamic and intentional—it is an active engagement with the world. Rather than being passively shaped by these prior conditions (the antecedents), our existence *moves out toward them* and *sustains* them. In other words, we actively interpret, respond to, and give meaning to our antecedents and surroundings, rather than being determined by them. So, while "antecedents" can include parents, it also encompasses a much broader range of influences, and Merleau-Ponty is highlighting the active role of consciousness in shaping experience and existence.
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