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A phenomenon (Greek: , pl. ) is an observable event or, quite literally, something that can be seen. Derived from the noun (phainomenon, df. appearance), it is also related to the verb (phainein, df. to show). Its plural is phenomena.
In general, apart from its original use as a term in philosophy, phenomenon stands for any observable event. Some observable events are commonplace, others require delicate manipulation of expensive and sensitive equipment. Phenomena make up the raw data of science, and are often exploited by technology. Phenomena mean a "surprising development" or "unusually successful person".[1][2][3]
Phenomenon has a specialized meaning in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, who contrasted the term phenomenon with noumenon in the Critique of Pure Reason. Phenomena constitute the world as we experience it, as opposed to the world as it exists independently of our experiences (things-in-themselves, 'das Ding an sich'). Humans cannot, according to Kant, know things-in-themselves, only things as we experience them. The concept of 'phenomena' relates to the tradition of philosophy called phenomenology. Leading figures in phenomenology - the science of objects as they appear - include Hegel, Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty and influenced Derrida, Deleuze and many others thinkers. Kant's account of phenomena has also been influential in the development of psychodynamic models of psychology, and of theories concerning the ways in which the brain, mind and external world interact.