Phenomenon is derived from the Greek word, phainomenon and the verb, phanein, which means "to show, shine, or appear".
It originates from the 1570s but was first recorded in 1771, describing extraordinary
occurrence.[1] Ironically, the term first came to use when
German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, used phenomenon only to contrast noumenon.
The meaning of noumenon is to describe an event that is experienced without the
use of any senses. Therefore, in order to describe the opposite of noumenon,
Kant used phenomenon, which was used to describe individual moments of
subjective, conscious experiences through use of the seven senses. [2]
Alternatively, this term also derived from a Latin word meaning, “what kind”,
and therefore, phenomena can depict many different forms and contexts such as: physical,
social, popular, paranormal, natural, and much more.
In a physical context, phenomenon
describes an event that is able to be observed. Regardless of how common a phenomenon
may be or even if tools are used, any scientific experiments or studies that
range from a small burning match to the orbits of planets are considered physical
phenomena. Phenomena can also describe
extraordinary events that defy logic and remain subjects of curiosity. Other
physical phenomena include natural phenomena such as the aurora borealis,
thunderstorms, and natural disasters. [3]
Architecture is considered physical
phenomena as well. For example, the tallest hotel in the world, located in Hong
Kong, is a sixteen thousand feet physical phenomenon. [4]
This contemporary architectural phenomenon is only one of many; another example
of architectural phenomenon is indoor slides. These interactive experiences are
located in multiple places around the world, such as the Technische Universitat
in Munich, or the Corus Entertainment Head Quarters in Toronto. No longer are
people able to be content to merely exist in a building but to be able to experience the building through
interactive elements becomes an physically blended social phenomenon. [5]
A social phenomenon alone,
however, is the interaction between responsive organisms. Social phenomenon
includes any form of interactions that require subjects to respond to actions,
such as love or friendship.[6]
More recently, a social phenomenon has begun through the use of internet social
networking. This act of interaction becomes a social phenomenon that no longer
requires immediate response. This translates to another modern use of the term
to describe popular phenomena. For any internet videos, images, or people that have
become viral in a short period of time becomes a popular phenomenon. Overall,
phenomenon is used to describe sensual experiences perceived with any of the seven senses.
[1] Harper,
Douglas. Online Etymology, "Phenomenon." Accessed November 13, 2012. http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=phenomenon.
[2] Kemerling, Garth. The Philosophy Pages,
"Kant: Experience and Reality." Last modified 2011. Accessed November
13, 2012. http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/5g.htm.
[3] Mukhtar, Ahsan. ListPhobia, "10 Most
Fascinating Natural Phenomena." Last modified 2009. Accessed November 15,
2012. http://listphobia.com/2009/12/29/10-most-fascinating-natural-phenomena/.
[4] Daily Mail Online, "Rooms with a
(truly spectacular) view: At 1,600ft, the world's tallest hotel opens its doors
in Hong Kong Read more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1371203/Worlds-tallest-hotel-opens-Hong-Kong.html
[5] Web Urbanist, "Stepping Out: 10
Stupendous Indoor Architectural Slides." Accessed November 13, 2012.
http://weburbanist.com/2011/01/26/stepping-out-10-stupendous-indoor-architectural-slides/.
[6] Markey, John F. University of Minnesota,
"A Redefinition of Social Phenomena: Giving a Basis for Comparative
Sociology." Last modified 1926. Accessed November 13, 2012.
http://www.brocku.ca/MeadProject/Markey/Marke
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