The phenomenology of unprecedented experience

ontological and cognitive wonder

pp. 115-129

in: Shaun Gallagher, Lauren Reinerman-Jones, Bruce Janz, Patricia Bockelman, A neurophenomenology of awe and wonder, Berlin, Springer, 2015

Abstract

Is wonder inconceivable? The question is not, is wonder impossible, but is it inconceivable, that is, is it impossible to put into concepts, despite the fact that clearly people experience it, and we talk and write about it? Is wonder absolutely unique to each person who experiences it? Do concepts undermine wonder as wonder, turning it into something else that might be researchable, but is no longer the original experience?