Ingarden Roman Witold (1893-1970)

Ingarden was a leading exponent of phenomenology and one of the most outstanding Polish philosophers. Representing an objectivistic approach within phenomenology he stressed that phenomenology employs a variety of methods, according to the variety of objects, and aspires to achieve an original cognitive apprehension of these objects. Its aim is to reach the essence of an object by analysing the contents of appropriate ideas and to convey the results of this analysis in clear language. Ingarden applied his methods in many areas of philosophy. He developed a pluralist theory of being and an epistemology which makes it possible to practise this discipline in an undogmatic manner and to defend the value of human knowledge. In the theory of values he developed an inspiring approach to the analysis of traditionally problematic areas. He was best known for his work in aestethics, in which he analysed the structure of various kinds of works of art, the nature of aesthetic experience, the cognition of works of art, and the objective character of aesthetic values. In general, he gave phenomenology a lucid and precise shape.

The main lines of his own investigations emerged largerly as a result of his regular debates with Husserl, in particular those concerning Husserl’s transcendental idealism. Ingarden’s best known work "The Literary Work of Art" (1931) has its origins in this debate.

Exhibtion

In the first hall we present film document about Ingarden showing places of his studies and work with comments on his philosophy from different authorities. You can find there also some papers illustrating history of his family and his childhood. In the second hall you will find documents of his studies in Germany, and early years of mature life in Poland. In the last hall we show photographies and documents concerning late period of Ingardenås life. You can hear his voice there. It is from unique recording of his speech about literature given 1965. Eleven portraits of Ingarden his wife and sons are drawn by Stanis³aw Ignacy Witkiewicz (Witkacy) (1885-1939) famous Polish artist (also popular for his novels and dramas) and philosopher.

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