The Phenomenology of Roundness Summary and Analysis

Metaphysicians who state their view in a few words can express concise truth that may be proven subsequently. Some may want to "understand" or claim they do not understand, but Bachelard asserts the image must be accepted as is. No prior experience supports the claim, but once accepted, we are in the roundness of life like the walnut that becomes round in its shell.

In order to take a fresh approach to the process of imagination, Bachelard tries to undo his years of philosophical belief and reasoning that he refers to as "dephilosophize." Ironically, now when he is old and wise enough to explain how we imagine, he no longer imagines. Another area of learning Bachelard undertakes to undo is psychoanalysis. Previously an image of roundness is fertile ground for psychoanalytical determinations with limited scope...