What does "immanent objectivity" refer to in Brentano's philosophy?

In Brentano's philosophy, "immanent objectivity" pertains specifically to the notion that an object's existence or qualities are tied to the mental acts that perceive or intend them. This idea highlights that the objectivity present in mental phenomena cannot be separated from the act of consciousness that is directed toward it. In other words, when we have a mental experience—such as perceiving a thought or an emotion—this experience is an inseparable part of that mental act; the object's characteristics exist within the framework of this inner encounter.

Brentano emphasized that our awareness of an object does not exist in isolation but is instead actively shaped by our perceptual processes. This contrasts with the idea of an objective reality that exists independently of our perceptions, thus making it clear that immanent objectivity is inherently bound to the individual's subjective experience. This distinction underlines the philosophical foundation of Brentano's psychologism, where psychological states become central to understanding our relationship with the objects of our thoughts.