Loneliness and the desire for recognition
My thesis offers phenomenological reflections on the nature of loneliness. I argue that loneliness is a more complex phenomenon than we have heretofore realized. Through engagement with various phenomenologists, as well as looking at case studies of lonely persons, we can reach a better understanding of loneliness. Previous research has suggested what loneliness is, but not what is missing in the experience of loneliness. To further complicate matters, feelings of loneliness can occur in a variety of different contexts; it is not just when one is lacking friendships or love relationships that one may feel lonely, for instance, but one may also feel lonely whilst with friends and loved ones. My thesis seeks to rectify these gaps in the literature. I will argue that what is missing in loneliness is a felt recognition. Through looking at various case studies, I will develop a three-tiered model of recognition. In chapter 1, I review theories of loneliness that have been proposed thus far. I demonstrate the ways in which I believe they fall short in understanding loneliness. I differentiate between loneliness and solitude and define loneliness as a feeling rather than an emotion or mood. Chapter 2 is the first
Havens, Holly Beth
Loneliness and the desire for recognition. My thesis offers phenomenological reflections on the nature of loneliness. I argue that loneliness is a more complex phenomenon than we have heretofore realized. Through engagement with various phenomenologists, as well as looking at case studies of lonely persons, we can reach a better understanding of loneliness. Previous research has suggested what loneliness is, but not what is missing in the experience of loneliness. To further complicate matters, feelings of loneliness can occur in a variety of different contexts; it is not just when one is lacking friendships or love relationships that one may feel lonely, for instance, but one may also feel lonely whilst with friends and loved ones. My thesis seeks to rectify these gaps in the literature. I will argue that what is missing in loneliness is a felt recognition. Through looking at various case studies, I will develop a three-tiered model of recognition. In chapter 1, I review theories of loneliness that have been proposed thus far. I demonstrate the ways in which I believe they fall short in understanding loneliness. I differentiate between loneliness and solitude and define loneliness as a feeling rather than an emotion or mood. Chapter 2 is the first
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