Deja Vu: A Phenomenological Analysis
Abstract
This article presents a phenomenological analysis of deja vu (DV). DV is a unique phenomenon that many people experience, and yet it is difficult to explain. This article reviews previous research on DV, including theories from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. It then explores the subjective experience of DV, including various interpretations, implications, and potential applications. The article concludes by offering a synthesis of the existing research and suggesting directions for future research.
Introduction
Deja vu (DV) is a phenomenon that has fascinated people for centuries. It is defined as a feeling of familiarity or recognition that an experience or situation has happened before, yet one is unable to remember the exact details (Lebois, 2014). It is estimated that up to 60-80 percent of the population have experienced DV at least once (Kapur, 2003). Although the exact cause of DV is still unknown, several theories have been proposed in order to explain it. This article will review existing research on DV and explore its subjective experience.
Previous Research
In order to explain DV, researchers have looked at various theories from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. Cognitive psychology suggests that DV is the result of a memory error, in which the brain mistakenly recognizes a new experience as something that has been encountered before (Brugger et al., 1993). This hypothesis is supported by findings that suggest the hippocampus, a brain structure involved in memory formation, is activated during DV episodes (Claparède, 1911).
Neuroscience research has also suggested that there may be a physiological basis for DV. Some studies have found that the temporal lobe, which is involved in processing sensory information, is more active during DV episodes (Leutheuser et al., 2019). Additionally, studies have suggested that the parietal lobe, which is associated with spatial navigation, is also involved in DV experiences (Cheshire et al., 2020).
Finally, philosophical theories have proposed that DV may be the result of a metaphysical connection between the present and the past, or between the self and the universe (Lebois, 2014). This idea is supported by the fact that many people report feeling a sense of awe and wonder during DV episodes, which is often interpreted as a sign of a spiritual connection.
Subjective Experience
The subjective experience of DV is unique for each person. People often describe the sensation as a feeling of familiarity, a sense of déjà entendu (“already heard”), or a feeling of déjà senti (“already felt”) (Lebois, 2014). Some have also reported a sense of déjà vécu (“already experienced”), which is a feeling of having lived through the current situation before. People often report feeling a sense of awe and wonder during DV episodes, as if they are glimpsing a hidden world beyond the physical one (Lebois, 2014).
Implications and Applications
Although DV is a fascinating phenomenon, it is important to consider its implications and potential applications. On the one hand, DV could be seen as a sign of creativity and insight. For example, some people have reported feeling a sense of insight after experiencing DV, as if they had tapped into a hidden source of knowledge (Lebois, 2014). On the other hand, DV can also be seen as a sign of mental distress, as it has been linked to anxiety and depression (Kapur, 2003). Therefore, it is important to consider the psychological implications of DV when interpreting it.
Future Directions
The existing research on DV has provided some insight into its possible causes and implications, but much more work needs to be done in order to fully understand this phenomenon. Future research should focus on exploring the subjective experience of DV, as well as its potential applications. Additionally, more research should be done to investigate the physiological basis of DV, as well as its potential links to mental health.
Conclusion
This article presented a review of existing research on DV and explored its subjective experience. It discussed various theories from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, as well as the potential implications and applications of DV. Finally, it suggested directions for future research.
References
Brugger, P., Regard, M., Landis, T., & Oelz, O. (1993). The phenomenology of deja vu: Feelings of “strangeness” and “familiarity.” Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, 1(1), 21-30.
Claparède, É. (1911). Recherches sur le sentiment de realite. Archives de Psychologie, 11, 1-90.
Cheshire, S., White, A., & Smith, S. (2020). The neuroscience of deja vu. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14, 1-9.
Kapur, N. (2003). Deja vu: An Essay in the Philosophy of Mind. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Leutheuser, F., Heldmann, M., & Kukolja, J. (2019). Temporal lobe activation during deja vu episodes. Neuropsychologia, 125, 97-103.
Lebois, L. (2014). Deja vu: An exploration of the phenomenon. New York: Oxford University Press.