Inkblots and the Life-World – Toward a Rorschach Phenomenology

Abstract: This article summarizes the historical influences on Hermann Rorschach’s Psychodiagnostics in light of new findings and the retranslation of his monograph by Keddy and colleagues ( Rorschach, 2021 ). This exposition situates his work in the historical context of Swiss culture and psychiatry at the time of his training and research, identifies theoretical influences on his thought given findings from recent scholarship, and describes collegial relationships that impacted his experiment. The potential influence of philosophical phenomenology on Hermann Rorschach’s work, had he not passed away prematurely, is postulated given his relationship with Ludwig Binswanger, the nature of his personality, and theoretical interests, particularly kinesthetic perception. A summary of phenomenological theory regarding Rorschach’s project is provided as well as potential future theoretical and methodological frameworks in light of this connection. Specific suggestions for Rorschach psychology, given solutions from historical and phenomenological explorations, are provided.