Anatomy of life and well-being: A framework for the contributions of phenomenology and complexity theory

This paper proposes an anatomy of the phenomena of life and of correlate qualitative modes of empirical research, theory, and professional practice concerned with health and well-being. I explicate the qualitative dynamic operative at every level of order, from the biological realm of cells and orga...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Robert Mugerauer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2010-07-01
Series:International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.ijqhw.net/index.php/qhw/article/view/5097/5759
Description
Summary:This paper proposes an anatomy of the phenomena of life and of correlate qualitative modes of empirical research, theory, and professional practice concerned with health and well-being. I explicate the qualitative dynamic operative at every level of order, from the biological realm of cells and organisms, through distinctively human lifeworld experiences and practices, to communities of organisms in ecosystems and bio-cultural regions. This paper clarifies the unity of the dimensions of life and aligns these with demonstrated and emerging contributions of hermeneutical phenomenology and current complexity–autopoietic theory (including disciplinary and professional interpretations of empirical findings). The intent is begin to delineate a common framework upon which we could build—facilitating better understanding of the distinctive contributions of each specialization as well as the integration of diverse qualitative approaches with each other (and with quantitative complements).
ISSN:1748-2623
1748-2631