MJO as a Gestalt

Abstract

Objectively identifying a phenomenon from observation is often difficult. This essay reflects upon this problem from a philosophical perspective by taking the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) as an example. I argue that it can be considered as a problem of Gestalt. This concept is introduced by closely following Ludwig Wittgenstein’s two philosophical works, Philosophical Investigations (Philosophische Untersuchungen) and Remarks on the Philosophy of Psychology(Bemerkungen über die Philosophie der Psychologie). Reflections upon the concept of Gestalt suggest why an objective identification of a phenomenon is so difficult. Importantly, the problem should not be reduced to that of “pattern recognition.” Rather a given phenomenon must be considered as a whole, including a question of a driving mechanism.