The correct spelling of the word "life world" is "Lebenswelt" in German. It is pronounced as /ˈleːbənsˌvɛlt/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "lebens" is pronounced as /ˈleːbəns/, which means "life" in English, while the second syllable "welt" is pronounced as /vɛlt/ which means "world" in English. The word is commonly used in phenomenology and sociology to refer to the lived experience of an individual within their social and cultural context.
Life world refers to the collective experiences, perceptions, and interpretations that individuals possess about the world they live in. Coined by the German philosopher Edmund Husserl and later developed by other scholars such as Alfred Schutz, the concept of life world encompasses the entirety of an individual's subjective understanding of their lived reality.
In this context, life world represents the personal and social knowledge, beliefs, values, and experiences that shape an individual's perception and interpretation of the world. It includes an individual's cultural background, language, social interactions, and historical context. Life world also encompasses the practical aspects of daily life, including routines, norms, and conventions that influence how individuals engage with their surroundings.
The life world is deeply intertwined with one's consciousness and represents a distinct perspective that shapes the way people make sense of the world around them. It is subjective in nature, as each individual's life world is unique to their personal experiences and worldview.
Understanding the life world of individuals is crucial for various disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology, as it provides insights into how people perceive and interpret their experiences. By studying the life world, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that influence individuals' behaviors, decisions, and interactions with others and their environment.
The term "life world" originates from the German word "Lebenswelt". The concept was first introduced by the German philosopher Edmund Husserl in the early 20th century as part of his phenomenological philosophy. In German, "Lebenswelt" is composed of "Leben", meaning "life", and "Welt", meaning "world". It refers to the everyday lived experiences of individuals, encompassing their perceptions, beliefs, social interactions, and cultural context. The term gained prominence in philosophy and sociology, particularly through the works of phenomenologists such as Husserl, Alfred Schütz, and Jurgen Habermas.