Phantoms really exist – don't they?

Abstract

Purpose

To discuss the concept of phantom reality.

Design/methodology/approach

When one begins to look at the phenomenon of phantoms, one comes across different sections, which are referred to in expressions such as phantom limb pain, phantom circuits or phantom pregnancy. When are these phantoms? What are they all about? In which contexts are these expressions used? Do they have similarities or aspects in common? How can we deal with them and which reality do they belong to?

Findings

Even if we consider these questions as undecidable ones in the sense of Heinz von Foerster, more differentiated answers can be given on the basis of Nelson Goodman's and Catherine Z. Elgin's concept of variations.

Originality/value

The paper offers ideas for dialogue and orientation in the area of conflict of phantom and reality.

Citation

Hug, T. (2005), "Phantoms really exist – don't they?", Kybernetes, Vol. 34 No. 3/4, pp. 567-579. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920510581747