Abstract

Merleau-Ponty would avoid this consequence. For him, the intuitive character of consciousness defines it and determines the limits of the descriptive method. Consciousness is direct presence to a world, and perception, the consciousness-world union, is the fundamental fact of reality. It is anterior to every distinction--including that of consciousness and nature--and serves as their basis. In perception, Merleau-Ponty finds a dimension of reality other than consciousness and nature taken separately and offering a new perspective on both.