What if I told you one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century wasn't just a Nazi sympathizer, but that fascism was fundamental to his entire philosophical project? In this profound conversation with Colin Bodayle, doctoral student in philosophy at Villanova University, we peel back the sanitized layers of Martin Heidegger's legacy to reveal the uncomfortable truth behind his continued influence.
The mystification around Heidegger's Nazism represents one of academia's most persistent blind spots. While other Nazi intellectuals like Carl Schmitt are acknowledged for what they were, Heidegger enjoys special treatment. Colin reveals how Heidegger's manuscripts were likely edited to remove explicitly fascist content, creating a historical deception that continues to this day.
Most importantly, we explore how Heidegger's core philosophical concepts—authenticity, Dasein, and his critique of technology—directly support his fascist worldview. His concept of authenticity isn't about individual self-creation but about embracing one's heritage and historical destiny as part of a "folk." His subjective idealism dissolves the possibility of objective truth in favor of interpretation, creating a philosophical framework perfectly aligned with fascist thought.
The conversation takes fascinating detours through German idealism, Nietzsche's reactionary politics, and the strange appropriation of Heideggerian concepts by both the contemporary left and far-right figures like Alexander Dugin. We also discuss how continental philosophy's language games often obscure the political implications embedded in philosophical concepts.
Rather than suggesting we abandon these thinkers entirely, this conversation invites critical engagement. As Colin notes, "Heidegger can teach you things about being human—he wasn't wrong about everything." But we must approach his work with our eyes wide open to its political foundations.
If you've ever grappled with continental philosophy, critical theory, or the political dimensions of abstract thought, this episode offers a masterclass in intellectual clarity and honest critique.
Send us a text
Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon
