Phenomenon

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Categories: Physics | Philosophy | Greek loanwords

For other uses, see Phenomena (disambiguation).

The combustion of this match is an observable occurrence, or event, and therefore a phenomenon.

A phenomenon (Greek: φαινόμενoν, pl. phenomena φαινόμενα) is any occurrence that is observable.^[1]

1 Use in physics
2 Use in philosophy
3 See also
4 References

Use in physics

In physics phenomena are the subject of all observation. A phenomenon may be a feature of matter, energy, or spacetime. For example, Isaac Newton made observations of the phenomenon of the moon's orbit. Additionally, Galileo Galilei made observations of pendulum related phenomena.^[2]

Use in philosophy

In philosophy, the use of the word phenomenon differs from other uses in that it refers to perceived events. Phenomena may be perceived through a person's senses or with their mind.

References

^ New Oxford American Dictionary (2nd ed.)
^ Jeremy Bernstein, A Theory for Everything, Copernicus, An imprint of Springer-Verlag, New York, 1996, hardback, ISBN 0-387-94700-0

bg:Явление

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