Validity and Reliability from a Phenomenological Perspective

Abstract

This paper takes up the issue of whether or not the terms `validity and reliability' can be used in the same sense in logical-empiricism and in phenomenology. Two aspects of phenomenological theory are discussed as they apply to the problems of validity and reliability: (1) the use of the reduction and the effort after essences, and (2) the part of Husserl's theory of meaning wherein he distinguishes among signifying, fulfilling and identifying acts. Both of these strategies lead to a sense of validity and reliability, but a sense that is different from logical-empiricism. Both viewpoints have in common the goal of proper evidence for knowledge claims, but they proceed differently because the meanings of the terms differ.