“Neo-Phenomenological Sociology: Exploring Embodied Sociality and Pathic Interactions beyond Traditional Phenomenologyâ€

This study presents an alternative sociological phenomenology rooted in Hermann Schmitz’s “New Phenomenology,†termed Neo-phenomenological Sociology (NPS). NPS diverges from traditional phenomenological sociology by establishing joint situations as the socio-ontological foundation, emphasizing situational contexts over individual consciousness. It introduces felt-body communication as the core unit of social analysis, shifting focus from cognitive interactions to embodied, affective engagements. The felt body and emotional involvement are highlighted as pre-personal characteristics, underscoring the significance of pre-reflective, embodied experiences in sociality. NPS aims to correct the cognitive and intentional biases of conventional sociology by integrating the pathic aspects of social behavior—those intuitive, spontaneous, and affective elements often overlooked by traditional social sciences. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the subtleties of social interactions, including non-verbal communication and the influence of environments and objects on human behavior. NPS also expands the scope of sociological inquiry to include transhuman interactions, acknowledging the social relevance of animals, objects, and environments. By focusing on these often-ignored dimensions, NPS provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the complexities of social life, offering new insights into the interplay between individuals, their bodies, and their surroundings.