Define Epoche.

Epoche, often associated with phenomenology, is a philosophical term that denotes a suspension or bracketing of judgment and preconceived beliefs regarding the nature of reality. Coined by philosopher Edmund Husserl, epoche involves the intentional setting aside of presuppositions and biases to achieve a state of phenomenological neutrality.

In the context of phenomenological inquiry, practitioners engage in epoche to temporarily set aside their assumptions about the existence and nature of objects, allowing for a more direct and unprejudiced examination of conscious experience. This suspension of judgment enables a focused exploration of phenomena as they appear in consciousness, free from the influence of preconceived notions.

Epoche is a methodological tool that facilitates the phenomenologist's attempt to access the pure, unmediated essence of experience. By withholding judgment and bracketing out external influences, individuals practicing epoche aim to uncover the essential structures and meanings inherent in their subjective experiences. This process aligns with the phenomenological goal of describing phenomena as they manifest in consciousness, unencumbered by theoretical assumptions or pre-existing beliefs.