Epoche is a fundamental concept in phenomenology, particularly associated with the work of philosopher Edmund Husserl. It refers to the process of bracketing or suspending judgment about the existence of the external world to focus purely on the subjective experience of phenomena.
In practice, this means setting aside any preconceived notions, biases, or assumptions when examining one’s own consciousness and perceptions. By doing this, phenomenologists aim to explore how things appear in our experience, allowing for a clear examination of the structures of consciousness without the interference of external factors.
Epoche serves as a methodological tool that helps researchers and philosophers delve into the essence of experiences by stripping down the layers of interpretation that often cloud our understanding. The goal is to reveal the pure experiences themselves, leading to greater insights about the nature of perception and reality.